Wealthy Socialists (Situational Irony)
George Bernard Shaw rarely resists the temptation to poke fun at the wealthy leftists who populate the world of "Man and Superman." These jibes aren't terribly harsh, and instead keep the play grounded, balancing out some of the wild ideas of characters like Jack Tanner. Henry Straker, the driver, is often the one to point out this particular irony—for instance, he tells Tanner and Octavius that, in his experience, rich men are usually socialists. Tanner and Octavius aren't the only sheltered socialists in this work, though. Mendoza's men are more exaggerated versions of this trope, so caught up in in-group squabbles that they can't think about the real world at all. They're even so committed to their self-image that they eat an unnecessarily restrictive diet of rabbit and prickly pear, as if playing at being revolutionaries. While George Bernard Shaw is more critical of the flaws in capitalism than in socialism, he makes sure to point out this failing in European socialist movements.
Pregnancy and Morality (Situational Irony)
Most of the play's characters immediately condemn Violet upon learning that she has gotten pregnant, considering it a sign of moral failings. Tanner, ever the contrarian, immediately jumps in to defend Violet, evidently assuming she'll appreciate what he has to say. He announces that Violet's pregnancy is in fact something to celebrate, since it's a woman's most important job to create life, regardless of marital status. Violet, hearing this speech, is actually offended, and makes clear that she finds Tanner's ideas about gender and politics to be appalling. This is an example of situational irony—we'd expect Violet to be thrilled that someone is coming to her defense, but, in the end, she's more upset by the defense than by the others' judgment.
Ann's Romantic Feelings (Dramatic Irony)
Early on in the play, when we first see Ann and Tanner alone together, it becomes clear that Ann has feelings for Tanner rather than Octavius. Instead of telling Octavius directly, she lets him down in small ways, as if hoping he'll get the message or give up. In Act Two, Octavius tells Tanner that Ann has rejected his most recent proposal. The audience knows that this is because she loves Tanner instead. The audience knowing something about which Octavius is totally oblivious is an instance of dramatic irony. That dramatic irony manifests nearly every time Ann and Octavius interact. Towards the end of the play, Ann tells Octavius that she's going to marry Tanner, but assures him that this choice is based solely on her parents' wishes. Yet again, the audience knows very well that Ann simply wants to marry Tanner, and has to endure the unpleasant experience of seeing Octavius slowly understand the truth.
Sarcastic Stage Directions (Verbal Irony)
Much of the play's ironic tone comes across in stage directions, and, even though most audience members will never read those directions, a person involved in producing this play for the stage will use these directions as a guide and therefore bring an ironic edge to their production. George Bernard Shaw communicates with his readers through sly asides, as if exchanging snarky gossip. His first description of Hector Malone is a perfect example: loaded with mocking sarcasm, this essay-length stage direction describes Malone's love of chivalry and politeness. By attending to Malone with such respectful attention, Shaw calls attention to his absurd beliefs.
Octavius and Tanner's love of Ann (Situational Irony)
Both Tanner and Octavius love Ann in strange and ironic ways. Octavius, as Ann herself points out, can only find fulfillment in love as long as it's unrequited. Therefore, he's most satisfied when pining for Ann, and would immediately be disappointed if he actually got his wish. Tanner, who is reluctant to admit that he's in love with Ann, also has an ironic twist to his adoration. He is repulsed by the idea of romantic love, since he wants to focus on philosophy and moral growth. However, his own philosophical position dictates that the life-force will bring men and women together to carry on humanity. Furthermore, Tanner's own disapproval of Ann and determination not to marry her seems only to add to his attraction, since his natural rebelliousness makes him more likely to want the things he isn't supposed to have.
