Monks (Situational Irony)
When Jude is a young child, he is physically, sexually, and emotionally abused by the monks with whom he lives. Brother Luke commits the most deliberate and grotesque abuse against Jude, but he is not the first one to hurt him. In fact, Jude is susceptible to Luke because he is already being abused by the other monks, and he initially thinks that Luke is the first person to show him love. The fact that the monks are so cruel and abusive towards Jude is an example of situational irony because the reality of the situation contrasts with the reader's expectations. Because of their devotion to a Christian religion that supposedly teaches compassion, love, and forgiveness, readers would expect the monks to be good people who would be kind to an orphaned child. Ironically, of all the people who later bring love and compassion to Jude's life (Harold, Andy, Willem, and others), none of them are ever described as having a religious affiliation. There is also additional irony because the monks are supposed to live a life of chastity, but as a group, they act as sexual predators towards Jude. In his later life, Jude ends up largely living "like a monk" (i.e. celibate) because of the trauma he experiences from supposedly godly men.
Jude's Appearance (Dramatic Irony)
Throughout the novel, Jude clings to the idea that he is ugly, grotesque, and repulsive. However, readers are made aware through hints from other characters and the points of view of other characters that he is actually very handsome. For example, JB's paintings depict a striking man, and other characters find it confusing that Jude claims to be ugly. Even Caleb's interest in seducing Jude implies that Jude is physically compelling to him. Dramatic irony is created because readers know that Jude is actually strikingly handsome, whereas Jude is unaware of how attractive he is. The dramatic irony is important because it highlights Jude's stubbornness, as well as the frustration someone might feel when they cannot get him to see what they see. The dramatic irony puts readers into a position similar to that of Harold or Andy, feeling that it is impossible for Jude to understand something that is right in front of him.
Willem's Death (Situational Irony)
Willem's sudden and premature death in a car accident is an example of situational irony because the outcome contrasts with readers' expectations. Due to Jude's many health problems, and his history of suicidal thoughts and self-harm, readers expect that Jude might die young or in a dramatic way. Characters such as Andy, Willem, and Harold are always worrying about Jude's health and psychological condition, and often live in a state of fear that they will someday lose Jude. Because of this attention to Jude's possible death, no one is anticipating that anything bad would ever happen to Willem. Jude outliving Willem is a cruel irony that no one would have anticipated, and this irony is part of why Jude is so traumatized by the loss.
Willem's Acting (Situational Irony)
Willem's career and talent as an actor are examples of irony because it creates a mismatch between expectations and outcome. While Willem's professional life depends on his ability to pretend and dissimulate, he is very transparent, trusting, and open in his personal life. Willem never hides anything from Jude and is willing to talk openly about his fears, doubts, and insecurities. When Willem first realizes that he is attracted to Jude, he also accepts the vulnerability and risk of sharing those feelings with his friend. While Willem is the one who makes his living as an actor, Jude is the one who is always pretending and lying. Jude hides so much about his past and also repeatedly lies to Willem to give him the impression that he is happier and more stable than he actually is. Jude hides his physical and psychological pain and also spends a long time pretending to enjoy having sex when he actually hates it. Jude is a talented actor as well, but he only uses these skills in his personal life.
