Dramatic irony
This is a historical text, so the audience now has the benefit of hindsight, knowing that the abolition of slavery did happen and that the author was right. However, readers at the time would have had a different experience.
Irony of audience
In the essay, we see that the author appeals to the Declaration of Independence, trying to find a legal basis for her argument. However, it is disheartening that she had to appeal to the law when the issue at hand ought to be more about an appeal to the audience's humanity.
Irony of slavery
Slavery was often defended legally by appeals to the constitution. However, Grimké shows in this essay that slavery goes against the Declaration of Independence, proving that it did not have a legal basis.
Irony of religion
At the time Grimké was writing this essay, America was very religious. However, Grimké ironically shows that slavery goes against the bible, Hebrew Law, and the teachings of Jesus.
