Friendship
Joyce bus Leslie’s letter in order to protect Crosbie, his oldest friend. Ironically, by purchasing it he conceals the truth about his friends betrayal and becomes complicit with her.
Opening Scene
In the opening scene, we watch as Leslie kills Hammond who we hear her say was trying to rape her. Ironically, Leslie has killed him out of jealousy that he won’t be with her any longer.
Dream
Robert is ready to buy a property and begin to live out his dream of being self-employed. Ironically, he cannot do so as his life’s savings have been spent to protect his wife from being hanged for murder.
Employee
Ong Chi Seng is employed by Joyce as his clerk. Ironically, Seng is involved in blackmailing Joyce for $10,000 I’m order to suppress the letter Leslie wrote.
Penance
Crosbie knows his wife has betrayed him, and Joyce asks that she do good to him after having done evil. Ironically, she says that her retribution won’t be doing good to Robert, but continuing to love Hammond who she killed.
The name Leslie
Although unisex, the name "Leslie" was popular as a male name in the UK during the first half of the 20th century. The play was written in 1927. It is ironic that the English playwright chose a male name for a female character who commits a crime that many would consider "traditionally" a male crime, too brutal for a woman.
