The Art of Racing in the Rain

The Art of Racing in the Rain Irony

Given a new role (situational irony)

While the relationship between Eve and Enzo was initially strained, this changes after the birth of Denny and Eve’s daughter. Unfortunately, Denny misses the birth since he was away for a race. Then, Eve relies on Enzo for emotional support and names him the protector of her daughter. This makes Enzo feels as if he has a place in the world. Ironically, however, the person who makes him feel that he belongs somewhere is not his owner but the woman he initially hated and couldn’t stand.

The custody suit (situational irony)

On the morning of Eve's death, it would make sense for readers to expect even temporary compassion from Maxwell and Trish towards Denny, but instead, this is the exact moment they decide to inform him that they are suing for custody of Zoë. The subversion of expectations and polite norms of postponing business in the face of tragedy further establish Maxwell and Trish as completely unsympathetic antagonists.

Denny confronts Annika on the street (situational irony)

In an example of situational irony, Denny approaches Annika while she sits on the sidewalk enjoying a night out with her friend. After three years of steeping in the disaster that she created, Denny approaches Annika to confront her... or so we think. But instead, he apologizes to her and appeals to her sense of compassion. This moment proves crucial for Denny's change in fortune by convincing Annika to recant her allegations in the end.

Crows (dramatic irony)

An example of dramatic irony occurs when Enzo watches the crows eat his excrement from grocery bags. The crows think they are eating groceries because Denny picks up Enzo's droppings in grocery bags, but Enzo understands what they are actually eating, and suspects that they will never forgive him for it.