The irony of the book’s structure
The reader finds the structure of the book 'Tender Buttons' ironic because it has no introduction or forward. Unlike many other books, 'Tender Buttons' is inimitable because it goes straight to the first topic under discussion without introducing the reader to the content.
The irony of the food section
Traditionally, breakfast is linked to specific drinks and snacks. For instance, most families consider tea and bread, porridge, and other related foods considered light. Ironically, Stein is of a contrary opinion because she argues that breakfast is decent and available. Therefore, the reader fails to understand what type of food is supposed to be consumed in the lunch hour, dinner, and supper.
The satire of poetic imagination
Normally, poetry is about imagery and symbolism to make life a joyful experience. On the contrary, Stein's poetry uses anthropomorphized judgment and realistic experiences in one's life to capture her thoughts. Consequently, Stein allows readers to look at the rational mechanism of her metaphors by depicting them as human.
The irony of religion and human experience
Stein's poetic work is critical because it indirectly questions the authenticity of religion's thoughts about homosexuality, lesbianism, and other human behaviors. Stein purposely writes about diverse sexual orientations to show that human beings have different feelings and experiences. However, Stein wonders why people's feelings and expectations are restricted in various religions.
