Verbal irony: Tutt-a-Tutt Tree
This is ironic because the people in the magazine manage to live long and healthy lives by eating from the Tutt-a-Tutt Tree. Alternatively, the old man is subject to being treated like a cadaver and has to take pills to take care of his health problems.
Dramatic irony: The old man and the fish
The old man is presented initially as being a healthy man who goes on to become frailer as time goes on. He is subject to multiple visits to the hospital, which takes over his life. The fish is the only constant thing in his life. This is ironic because Dr Seuss himself was riddled with health issues in later life, and he too kept a fish as companion through these tough times.
Dramatic Irony: Cost of healthcare
Throughout the book there are various messages relating to the cost of healthcare in the world. For example, in one of the machines the Old Man enters, there is a statement reading, “Have you any idea how much money these tests are costing you?”. Of course, young readers may not understand the message behind it, but older readers will know that this a reference to the ever increasing financial burden faced in healthcare, that most people may not be able to afford.
Verbal irony: Health issues
Since this is a children’s book, Seuss does not name any real health issues in this book. Instead, he chooses to make up the diseases the Old man is plagued with, such as a “Spleen Readjustment and Muffler Repair.” This was due to Seuss’ wife urging him to keep the book child friendly. Indeed, in the book cover, Seuss left a message stating parents should gift the book to their child for a 70th birthday!
