The irony of religion
Hawkin's mother is depicted as a staunch Christian who serves as an usher. Similarly, Hawkins's mother is fond of reading religious books about Judaism, Buddhism, and Islam. Ironically, the reader realizes that Hawkin's mother likes smoking cigarettes. Besides smoking, Hawkin's mother often scolds her husband because he is broke.
The irony of chemical run-off
Hawkin missed going to school severally because of pneumonia and poor health. Instead of taking Hawkin hospital for a check to determine the exact cause of his disease, his mother satirically says that he is suffering from a chemical run-off in the water they drink. The reader finds it satirical that parents are not keen on their son's health and keep blaming chemical run-offs in water.
The Paradox of Hawkin’s silence
Hawkin sees the strange figure approaching their house, and he notes that he is a dangerous man. The strange man is approaching their main house where his parents are conversing. Instead of shouting to warn his parents, Hawkin gets scared and remains silent. The strange man shoots Hawkin's parents, and he blames himself for remaining silent throughout the incident.
