The irony of Mam (Ada’s mother)
Mam is the main paradoxical character in the entire novel. Readers expect Mam to love and support her children regardless of their faults. However, Mam does the contrary because she tortures her children physically and emotionally. For instance, Mam locks Ada inside the house daily because she is clubfooted. Mam also mistreats her son, Jamie, by denying him the freedom to play and interact with other children. Mam also does the contrary when she throws away Ada’s crutches which she uses to walk. Instead of being proud of her daughter, who has started walking despite her disability, Mam locks her up and tells her that she will never walk.
The irony of war
Readers are aware that war is bad because it leads to the destruction of property and loss of lives. Ironically, for Ada, war is the only event that rescues her from her captivity and oppression under the watch of her abusive mother. During the war, Ada is rescued to the countryside, where she meets a loving family. In the countryside, Ada learns how to walk, write and read. Consequently, Ada thanks the eruption of war because it enables her to exploit her potential in the countryside under the care of Susan.
Mrs. Thorton
Mrs. Thorton is nicknamed the iron-faced-Lady because of her strictness while on duty. Everyone believes living with Mrs. Thorn can be hell because she is stubborn. Ironically, Mrs. Burton is the best mother because her daughter, Margaret, says her mother is loving, gentle, and playful. The irony shows readers that work and family are different institutions that should be approached differently to achieve the set objectives.
