Dramatic irony-Pai going behind Koro’s back to train
Koro refuses to let Pai train with the boys because he doesn’t want to accept the truth that she is the next whale rider. Nevertheless, Pai is still determined to train because it’s something that she loves and even asks her uncle for help. Koro is unaware of all of this happening and Pai beating the boys in the tests, so when he does find out, he is enraged. Koro’s unawareness of what is actually happening makes this a dramatic irony.
Dramatic irony-Pai getting on top of the largest whale
While all the villagers are trying to help the whales go back into the ocean, Pai approaches the largest on and gets on top of it. The whale moves towards the ocean with Pai on top and the rest of the pod following. Koro and the villagers only notice it when it’s too late and Pai is being submerged, which makes this a dramatic irony.
Koro not accepting Pai as the whale rider
The main reason Koro refuses to accept Pai being the whale rider is because she is a girl. Being guided by tradition and patriarchal ways, Koro refuses to see the truth that his granddaughter is actually meant to be the leader. He overlooks all the signs and ignores her efforts and success by beating the boys in training. He is determined to undermine her capability as the leader for the sole reason of her being a girl.
Situational irony-Pai rescuing the whales
Koro scolds Pai for trying to help the whales, telling her that she’s done enough, blaming the situation on her for not giving up in her intent to be the whale rider. In turn, Pai gets on top of the whale and rescues all of them. It is an unexpected outcome for all the villagers and a final proof of Pai being the rightful whale rider. This unexpectedness makes it a situational irony.
