Red Sky At Night (Situational Irony)
At the end of the story, Ellen says, "A red sky—it means tomorrow will be fine." Though a red sky typically signifies that there will be fair weather the next day, the fact that Ellen is holding her dead child in her arms makes her observation ironic. Paul—and the reader—understand that there will only be grief ahead.
Paul's Affection for Animals (Situational Irony)
Though Paul is characterized as having a stern and unfeeling nature, in the anonymous space of his stable, he pets and feeds his animals for mutual comfort. Paul's angered reactions to his wife are juxtaposed against his affectionate treatment of his animals, creating an ironic situation that exposes how his gruffness is not necessarily Paul's essential nature.
Baby Out of Crib (Dramatic Irony)
When Paul runs to the house to see whether Ellen is okay, it relieves him to see her walking back and forth with their baby in her arms. However, an attentive reader will have remembered that she keeps the baby in his crib under a muslin tent that protects his vulnerable airways from the dust. In this moment of dramatic irony, the reader knows more about the child's peril than Paul understands.
