The paradox of Benjie’s biological father
Benjie’s biological father is a paradoxical character. The reader expects the father to be around and offer guidance to his son. Ironically, the father abandons the family and leaves the full responsibility of taking care of the son to the mother. Benjie’s mother gets remarried, making the boy fall into depression and later get introduced to drugs.
The satire of Butler
Butler is Sweets’ boyfriend who has taken the position of Benjie’s biological father. Butler is shocked to learn that Benjie is not ready to accept him as a father despite his efforts to act as a father figure. Ironically, after Benjie gets trapped in drug addiction, he realizes his mistakes after discovering that Butler loves him. Benjie changes his mindset, grows closer to Butler, and calls him "Father."
The irony of slum
The main satire is that the Rule of the Jungle rules the slum. For instance, the law is partially enforced, and people are left to engage in various crimes, including selling drugs such as heroin. One of the rich drug warlords in the neighborhood is Tiger. Benjie is introduced to drugs by Tiger, who employs him as a delivery boy. Benjie is attracted to the lavish lifestyle of Tiger, and he ends up becoming a drug addict for the rest of his life.
The irony of the society
The society in the ghetto is self-governing, and it disappoints readers to learn that societal leaders can allow people to mislead the young generation into drugs and other forms of violent crimes. The primary paradox of society is that it looks down upon drug addicts who, in return, believe that they are useless and unwanted. Consequently, society needs to change its perception and show love to drug addicts, which can help them kick out the habit of drug addiction.
