Nnaemeka's Father Has Arranged a Marriage (Dramatic Irony)
In the story's opening scene, Nene asks Nnaemeka why he hasn't told his father the good news about their engagement. Nnaemeka explains that his father will be prejudiced against her because she is not Ibo, and insists it will be best to tell him in person. The narrator soon reveals that this is not the full truth: As Nnaemeka walks home from Nene's, the narrator comments on how the situation is especially complicated for Nnaemeka because his father has found him a potential bride from their village. In this instance of dramatic irony, the reader understands the full extent of Nnaemeka's conflict while Nene remains unaware of how seriously committed Nnaemeka's father is to the tradition of arranged marriage.
Okeke Goes Quiet (Situational Irony)
When Nnaemeka visits his father to break the news of his engagement to Nene, Nnaemeka expects his father will unleash a storm of anger. But in an instance of situational irony, Nnaemeka's expectations are undermined: rather than erupt in anger, Okeke expresses his disappointment by going quiet and retiring to his bedroom for the night—a reaction that is more subdued yet more serious. The difference between what Nnaemeka expects and what occurs implies that Nnaemeka had underestimated his father's attachment to the custom of arranged marriage.
Okeke Changes His Mind When It May Be Too Late (Situational Irony)
Although Okeke succeeds in hardening his heart against his son and daughter-in-law for the majority of the story, the news that he has two grandsons who would like to visit causes Okeke to soften and to feel an emotional connection to his family. Okeke goes to sleep full of remorse for his actions and a "vague fear" that he will die before he has the chance to make it up to his family. In this instance of situational irony, Nene succeeds in breaking down Okeke's defenses. However, Okeke's change of heart may have come too late for him to undo the damage.
