Reynie’s suspicion about his ability
When Reynie first learns of the available opportunity for intelligent children, he concludes that he cannot compete with others because he cannot pass the exams. According to Reynie, he is an average student, and the exam needs super-intelligent children to pass. The tests are strange, complicated, and difficult, thus, requiring children with supernatural talents to excel. However, Reynie is persuaded to attempt the tests. Ironically, out of the hundreds undertaking the series of tests, Reynie emerges the best and among the four who excelled to join the genius program sponsored by Mr. Benedict. The reader finds it ironic that a student who doubted his capability at first comes out as the best among all participants.
Dramatic irony
There is a dramatic irony when Rhonda disguises herself as a student during the test and asks Reynie to lend her a pencil. After Reynie gives her part of his pencil, Rhonda promises to help him cheat in the exam. Readers know that Rhonda is not a student because she is part of the examining team. Rhonda wants to test if Reynie can accept cheating in the exam, and that can lead to his automatic disqualification. Reynie refuses to cheat in the exam because he prefers not to use dishonest means. Later, Reynie is shocked when he discovers that Rhonda is part of the test, and he passes when he refuses to cheat.
The irony of Constance’s stubbornness
Among the four children selected to conduct a secretive investigation at the Institute, Constance is the most stubborn. Reynie, Sticky, and Kate believe that Constance will put them in trouble because she does not follow the rules of the investigation. On the contrary, when the team discovers that Mr. Curtain has put traps everywhere to uncover their mission, Constance forces her way into the Whispering equipment room. The children's mission is to discover the Whispering equipment used in transmitting false messages and destroy it. Through Constance's stubbornness, the children finally accomplish their mission to end intimidating messaging to the public carried out by Mr. Curtain.
