The irony of the city of Naxos
Naxos is a small city in Greece, a predominantly white country. Ironically, Helga teaches in an all-black school in a neighborhood that is predominantly white. Consequently, seclusion and segregation are among the vital factors that promote racial discrimination and inequality.
The irony of identity
Helga Crane is the protagonist of the story, and she comes from a mixed-race background. Ironically, Helga feels uncomfortable with her skin color, and she feels that she does not belong to Naxos. Failure of self-acceptance is the foundation of low self-esteem. Later, Helga decides to migrate to Chicago, where she thinks she will get better treatment and recognition.
The iron of Helga’s relatives in Denmark
When Helga decides to go back home to Denmark to see her relatives, she is looked upon as an alien mortal because of her mixed-race background. Ironically, instead of her relatives protecting her from the public, her aunt and uncle force her to dress proactively to gain attention when they walk alongside her. The reader finds it ironic that the relatives who are supposed to protect Helga are on the frontline in using her for their selfish gain.
The iron of the painter
While in Denmark, an extravagant painter makes Helga’s portrait and decides to ask her hand for marriage. Ironically, the painter does not intend to marry Helga for love but uses her to make money through her portraits. Helga realizes the ill intentions of the painter and turns down the marriage proposal.
The irony of life
Helga is depicted as a tragic character who is struggling to gain acceptance and love. Since Helga hails from a mixed-race background, she does not know exactly where she belongs, and this subjects her to misery. When at last Helga manages to seduce Reverend Green and becomes his wife, at first she is happy. However, after some time, Helga gives birth to many children and lives a discontent life after that. Therefore, the life history of Helga is entirely satirical because she never gets everlasting love in her life.
