The Irony of Don Pablos' Brother
Whenever two brothers appear in literature they can be understood as parallels of one another. Don Pablos' brother was a thief who was publicly flogged to death. As muddled and criminal as Pablos' life appears to be, he started out with good intentions. He attends school and tries to work a few jobs. Compared to his brother, Pablos must be given some grace for being the more honorable of the two.
The Irony of Pablos' Origins
Don Pablos introduces the book by proudly describing his heritage and familial origins. He holds his parents in high esteem. In reality his dad is a thief and his mom is a prostitute and a witch. Pablos learns these facts when he attends school and the other kids tease him.
The Irony of Pablos' Inheritance
Pablos receives an inheritance after his father's death, but the timing of the notice is ironic. Pablos has outraged Diego's father after he hears he and his son have been robbing people, so the elder don tells his son to part ways with Pablos. Insulted by the letter, Pablos is eager to keep his pride in tact. He's given the perfect opportunity to leave with honor intact when he receives the letter about the inheritance.
The Irony of Pablos' Disbelief
Pablos hails from Spain, born and raised. He's proud of his heritage from Segovia. Ironically, however, that region is characterized by the piety and charity of its peoples. Having nothing to do with religion, Pablos denies the one major unifying characteristic of his community, despite professing great pride at belonging there.
The Irony of Master Cabra
Due to their close friendship, Don Pablos is sent to Master Cabra's boarding school alongside his son by Don Diego's father. Excited for a second chance at education, Pablos anticipates the school greatly. When he arrives, however, he and Diego quickly realize they're in for a struggle. Cabra runs his school like a prison, from corporal punishment to starvation to forced enemas. . . He torments the boys, making his school the single worst experience of Pablos' life.
