Ricky's Suicide (Dramatic Irony)
After Bella dies, Ricky believes he is going to be sent back to Child Services. Thus, he fakes his suicide, and accidentally burns down Hec's barn. Before the authorities understand what has gone on, the audience knows that Ricky is fine and has run away into the bush.
Uncle Hec the Criminal (Dramatic Irony)
In the process of running away from the authorities, Hec and Ricky accidentally feed inaccurate information to the police, when Ricky accidentally makes it sound like Hec has molested him. While the viewer knows that Hec has not been molesting Ricky, the rumor grows and it becomes a widespread belief that Hec is a pedophile. Thus, there is an ironic distance between what we know and what the public knows.
Hec Goes to Jail (Situational Irony)
In a confused attempt to stay connected to Hec, Ricky tells the police that Hec molested him, which leads Hec's imprisonment. Even though we know that Hec is not guilty of such a crime, Ricky foolishly tells on him and Hec winds up having to go to prison.
Bella's Death (Situational Irony)
Just as Ricky begins to feel comfortable at Hec and Bella's house, on the morning after Bella has thrown him a charming birthday party, Bella dies. It is ironic that in the very moment that Ricky begins to feel safe, he loses the one person who has ever made him feel that way.
