The power of the Sixth House
The Sixth House (the house of the necromancers) is presented as a symbol of power and forbidden knowledge. Ironically, the very source of this power—death—becomes a threat to the necromancers themselves, as their attempts to manipulate the dead eventually spiral out of their control, leading to a loss of power rather than a gain.
Alex’s struggle with the Archivist
Alex Stern's quest to uncover the secrets of the Archivist is filled with irony: she seeks knowledge and power, believing that the Archivist holds the key to understanding her past and securing her future. However, in the process of gaining this knowledge, she finds herself entangled in even greater confusion and danger, making her initial pursuit ironic because it leads to more questions than answers.
The pursuit of immortality
The desire for immortality is central to many of the characters' motivations, especially the wealthy and powerful. Ironically, the closer they come to achieving immortality through necromancy and dark rituals, the more they sacrifice their humanity. Their attempt to transcend death ultimately strips them of their essence, showing how their pursuit of eternal life leads to a loss of self.
Alex's role in solving the mystery
Alex, who is thrust into the world of Yale’s secret societies and death magic due to her near-death experience, finds herself the least likely to be a hero or a solver of mysteries. Her lack of formal training and outsider status makes her role ironic: the very characteristics that should disqualify her—her chaotic background, her distance from power—are the things that allow her to see things others can’t.
The trust in powerful figures
Characters like Darlington and others are seen as protectors or guiding figures for Alex. Ironically, these figures, despite their power and status, often fall short or lead Alex into more danger. Their attempts to guide her or protect her end up being flawed, showing how reliance on authority can sometimes backfire.
The use of death to control life
The entire system of necromancy is based on the belief that the dead can be controlled and used to gain power, yet the irony lies in the fact that these practices often unleash uncontrollable forces. Characters who believe they can wield death as a tool often find themselves overpowered by it, illustrating the unpredictable nature of life and death.
