Irony of Rachel
When Helen first meets Rachel, she judges her as being bland and boring. Despite this, she then invites Rachel to accompany herself and her husband to their resort in South America.
Irony of Hirst
Although Hirst does not have favorable views about women, thinking they are merely sexual objects, Helen surprises him. This is because she can hold an intelligent conversation, and gives the impression that she is well-read. As such, Helen defies Hirst's expectations of women and changes his mind.
Irony of intelligence
Rachel is depicted as an unthinking and unintelligent character. She is judged by Helen, her own father, and Sir. John Hirst for this reason. However, she meets Terrence Hewet, who values her for her emotional depth and intelligence.
