The Irony of Joshua's Loyalty to Clive
Clive invites Joshua into his home under the strict condition that the boy profess complete loyalty to him. As a representative of Britain, Clive considers himself a sort of extended father for the helpless natives. In his deluded brain, he believes that Joshua's constant criticisms of his native tribe mean that he actually believes what he's saying. The truth is, the louder you claim something, the more likely you're trying hard to convince someone you're not lying. Joshua's true loyalty is revealed by the end of the first act when he points a gun at Clive for threatening one of the natives.
The Irony of Victoria Being Played by a Doll
Victoria is a shy child who demurely tries to obey her father's commands without drawing attention to herself. Her character in Act I is so inconsequential that she is played by a doll instead of a person. She has reduced herself to an object which is literally portrayed.
The Irony of Clive's Criticism of Betty's Affair
When Clive hears about Betty's infidelity, he loses his mind. It's ridiculous that he's angry over her affair because he shouldn't be surprised. He treats her like servant and never sexually satisfies her, not to mention his own affair with Mrs. Saunders.
The Irony of Harry's Confession
When Harry admits to Clive that he's gay, he's greeted with judgement. Clive tells him to get married immediately or to kill himself for having sinful fantasies. Coincidentally Clive has repressed his own homosexual desires because he cannot accept himself as gay. All of the hatred he directs at Harry is really self-hatred.
The Irony of Edward's Attraction to His Sister
Edward engages in some rather forthright incestuous activities with Victoria. When they're children, he asks to touch her breasts. He receives sexual pleasure from the interaction, but it's because he wishes he were a girl. He enjoys touching her because he can imagine occupying her female body for himself. When they grow up, they actually engage in an orgy together with Victoria's lesbian lover and her husband. In that context Edward doesn't need to hide his gender disphoria.
