The irony of the rats
The rats were the smartest animals in the past centuries because they were very organized and did wonderful things that no other animal could do. Ironically, of late, the rats are the laziest and softest of animals, and they have become thieves and scavengers. The author writes, "Millions of years ago…rats seemed to be ahead of all the other animals, seemed to be making a civilisation of their own…well organised and built quite complicated villages in the fields. Their descendants today are the rats known as prairie dogs. But somehow, it didn't work out…while the other animals (especially the monkeys) lived in the woods and got tougher and smarter, the prairie dogs grew soft and lazy...Eventually, the monkeys came out of the woods, walking on their hind legs, and took over the prairies and almost everything else. It was then that the rats were driven to become scavengers and thieves."
The satire of Mrs. Frisby
The reader finds it satirical that Mrs. Frisby, despite being a widow, works more than a man to provide for her family. Unlike the expectation of readers, Mrs. Frisby does not ask for aid, but she works hard to bring food to the table. Similarly, Mrs. Frisby protects her home using all means to ensure that her children are safe.
The satire of courage
Dragon is the most feared animal in the kingdom, and he eats other animals that he comes across. For instance, Dragon ties Jeremy, and if he does not escape, he will eat him. Ironically, Frisby is courageous enough to free Jeremy and take him to her home. Ironically, Frisby risks her life by provoking Dragon.
The irony of the monkeys
The monkeys are satirical creatures in the story because, despite being considered primitive, they emerge as the most civilized in later years. For instance, they walk on their forelegs and use the front legs like arms. Similarly, they live in organized villages, and they work hard to secure their food and protection.
