Old World Problems
Despite the Bergens' hope for a better life in the New World, they still face tragedy and suffering during their journey. They are trying to escape the poverty and starvation of their old lives in Cork yet they find themselves facing similar conditions aboard the ship. Alma and her children have to endure a perilous voyage across the ocean only to be met with starvation and illness as soon as they arrive. The idea that a new home could bring about success and prosperity contrasts starkly with what happens to them when they get there. Despite the promise of a new beginning promised by America's "Golden Door," it does not seem to be enough for Alma and her family.
Irony of Hypocrisy
Reverend Yount's words about the evils of greed and excess are juxtaposed with his own family's lifestyle. He preaches against the gold rush that has brought wealth to many people claiming that riches are a curse and will lead to damnation. However, Luyu notices the stark contrast between her life of humble poverty and the Younts' wealth. The Younts have all of the comforts and luxuries while Luyu lives as a servant in their home. Furthermore, Reverend Yount himself seems to benefit from this same "deceitfulness of wealth" he derides by living a life far removed from what he preaches. This ironic discrepancy between his words and actions highlights how hypocritical some religious leaders can be when they barely practice what they preach.
Divine Privilege
Despite Brianna's best efforts to give Malik the best opportunities and resources, his greatest resource is something completely out of her control. Throughout his life, Brianna has done everything she can to give Malik access to better opportunities. Even with all of her hard work and dedication, it ultimately comes down to Malik's natural gifts that will open doors for him and offer him the best chance at success. Brianna has inadvertently put him in the position of needing to leverage these gifts for the greater good or risk wasting them. This irony highlights the difference between the advantages one can create through effort versus those bestowed upon them through circumstance.
Antipodal
The juxtaposition of Walter's joy in smelling diesel fuel and his daughter Wendy's lack of interest in trains. No matter how much someone may love something, their passion could be shared by none of their children or family members. This ironic situation emphasizes how misunderstandings between generations can create disconnects that are difficult to reconcile. Although Walter has spent so much time cultivating his knowledge about trains and forming relationships with the people around him at work, his daughter does not share any of those same interests or values.
Othello’s Escape
Despite Othello's efforts to escape undetected and avoid making a mistake, he ends up in an even worse predicament than when he started. He thought escaping the inn would be his greatest feat but it leads him to spend the night out in an open field. He has stolen away from the inn to escape being caught yet he finds himself exhausted, aching, and with no shelter or protection. He has ended up in an even worse situation than if he had stayed put at the inn. Though it may have been uncomfortable for him to stay there, he would have at least been warm and safe within its walls. This highlights the irony of life in which sometimes our best intentions can lead us into unexpected and challenging situations.
