Too fastidious
LaBoeuf discusses the development of the State of Arkansas. He tells that Arkansas can be like Chicago, but it cannot compare to Chicago. LaBoeuf cannot even fit the sentences to describe this State. Mattie offends and says that “the malaria is making LaBoeuf feel bad”. Her response is ironic, because she wants to express her dissatisfaction towards LaBoeuf.
Little, but brave Mattie
When Mattie shows Rooster her gun during their first meeting, he is at first surprised. However, he says that the weapon will do the job, “if Mattie can find a high stump take aim and shoot”. Here, Rooster ironically makes a fun of Mattie, because the girl wants to use the pistol despite her short stature.
Miserable mite
When Mattie spends the night in Mrs. Floyd’s house, the woman says that the girl will sleep together with Grandmother Turner. Mattie is afraid that she can wake her up. However, Mrs. Floyd persuades her not to worry about waking Grandma Turner, because “Mattie is a little mite”. It is an irony, because Mattie’s age is also ridiculed at this moment.
