The Irony of Fear
In spite of his power, authority, and influence, Baron Oberg is ironically scared of a helpless girl like Elma Heath. In all her vulnerability, the latter is, in fact, capable of ruining him entirely, and putting an end to his career.
The Irony of Civilization
Following Chater’s arrival at the Leithcourt’s house, the elite of the English society, which formed the greater part of the guests staying over, are depicted as a pack of wolves in a satirical scene, which contrasts their assumed high-society values and traits with their real selves. By and large, the picture is one of a degenerating civilization.
The Irony of Love
When Gordon Gregg perceives the picture of Elma Heath in the possession of Muriel Leithcourt, he makes inquiries about her identity. Consequently, Muriel asks why he is so inquisitive, and wonders whether the real reason behind such display of curiosity is not love after all. To this claim, Gordon answers in the negative, which is ironical because his feelings for Elma are going to be made of strong love for the remaining of his narrative.
The Irony of Friendship
The novel puts in display a number of relationships that are introduced to the world as friendships, but which are, in reality, connections made of a base form of business-like association. One such example is the contract uniting Philip Leithcourt with Martin Woodroffe and the rest of his gang. In the eyes of society, the two men are close friends. In truth, however, they share a business partnership, and neither cares for the other’s life or safety. Being the weaker of the two, Leithcourt loses his own life at the hands of his so-called friends.
The Irony of Loyalty and Money
We find in The Czar’s Spy a clash between loyalty and the influence of money. One such instance of this opposition of concepts is the gang’s first attempt on Gordon’s life with the help of the Italian Olinto. The latter is introduced as a former servant of Gordon’s, and it is this very bond of loyalty towards his old master that saves Gordon’s life. Although in dire need of money, Olinto’s loyalty could not be bought and he refused to harm the man who was kind to him in older days.
