Not so innocent
The action in the essay “Disneyland” takes place in the famous amusement park mentioned in the title. In the beginning, the narrator described this place as being filled with children and characterized by innocence. Because of this, it is thus ironic to see that towards the end of the essay, the way in which the place is portrayed changed and Disneyland becomes extremely depraved and dangerous.
Humble
In “An Expedition to the Pole” the narrator discusses the Catholic church and how its members and buildings were supposed to transmit the idea of humbleness and humility. However, according to the narrator, the elements mentioned above transmit the complete opposite. This idea is presented as being an ironic one and is also used as an argument by the narrator to explain why she is not religious.
Pennies on sidewalks
In “Seeing” the narrator remembers how she used to gather every penny she was given and cherish it as if it were a great treasure. Se also remembers how at times, she would take those pennies and scatter them on the sidewalk for other people to find. This scene is thus ironic because it proves that the narrator did not appreciate those pennies as much as she claimed to.
No longer afraid
Technological advancements are discussed in “Total Eclipse”, an essay in which the narrator describes the time she and her husband got to experience a solar eclipse. The narrator points out how nowadays, humans are no longer afraid of natural phenomena over which they have no control whatsoever and how instead they are now scared of technology, something humans created.
We need to be alone
The importance of having close relationships and friends is analyzed at length in “Seeing”. These elements are presented as being necessary for a person to thrive. Because of this, it is ironic to see how at the end of the essay, the narrator changes her point of view and claims instead that we do not need the love and support of those around us and that we are better off alone.
