The sexual relationship satire
Pierre is nineteen years old, and he is in a complex relationship with two women, Lucy and Isabel. Pierre’s mother wants him to marry Lucy, whom he confesses that he loves too. Satirically, Pierre changes his mind and goes for Isabel, the woman who is attracted to him. The reader finds it ironic that Pierre falls in love with the woman who claims that she is his half-sister.
The irony of Pierre’s mother
Pierre's mother goes against the ancient cultural beliefs where the father plays a role in influencing a woman's choice the son should marry. As indicated in the text, Pierre's mother is adamant that he must marry Lucy to inherit his father's estate. When Pierre decides to marry Isabel, his mother disowns him.
The irony of Isabel Banford
Isabel claims that she is Pierre’s half-sister when he gets attracted to her. Ironically, Isabel agrees to marry Pierre despite her early claims that she is his sister. The reader finds it paradoxical that a brother and sister can get married and have a sexual relationship.
Lucy’s interest in Pierre
Towards the end of the story, the reader learns that Lucy was first interested in marrying Pierre because he was expected to inherit his father's estate. However, when Pierre married Isabel and got disowned by his mother, Lucy got disinterested in him. Ironically, Lucy realizes that she is in love with Pierre even without him having inherited anything from his father.
Glenn Stanley’s threatening letters
Glenn is Pierre's cousin and receives Pierre's inheritance from his mother. However, Glenn now feels that Pierre claims his rightful inheritance, and he thinks that the best way of stopping him from claiming the inheritance is to threaten him. The reader finds it satirical that instead of Glenn thanking Pierre for receiving his inheritance, he opts to send him threatening letters.
