Virgil's Success in Sales
Virgil Beckett’s professional life is marred by failure despite his external efforts. In the sales world, he adheres to the script and does everything expected of him—quitting drinking and attending church. However, he fails to secure clients. His boss encourages him to use manipulative techniques like playing recordings of Sputnik’s beeping sound to scare people into buying insurance. Despite his complete devotion to playing the game correctly, Virgil’s personal and professional lives are collapsing. He is supposed to be a “success” story yet he is unable to produce the tangible results that matter.
The “Muttnik” Episode
When Kathleen and Virgil discuss Sputnik 2 and the dog aboard, there is an uncomfortable tension between them. Kathleen is emotional about the dog’s fate while Virgil naively reassures her that "people plan for this sort of thing." His blind trust in authority—whether it is governmental or otherwise—reveals a deep irony. The situation mirrors the coldness of their marriage as Kathleen is submerged in her emotions. Her feelings are bubbling to the surface, but Virgil remains clueless about the gravity of the situation.
Acropolis Place
Kathleen’s perception of Acropolis Place is filled with irony. Upon arrival, she recalls how the apartments were advertised as the perfect modern home with vibrant young families and a beautiful pool. However, the reality is different. Acropolis Place is a dingy complex filled with elderly people and death surrounding them. Furthermore, the pool is covered and the glamour from the advertisements is nowhere to be found. This is an example of verbal irony. The idealized marketing of the apartment complex contrasts with the grim reality.
Virgil’s False Heroism in the War
Virgil’s father is proud of him for killing two Nazis during World War II. However, the reality is that Virgil never witnessed any real combat. He fabricates the story to gain his father's approval. Virgil’s participation in the war was defined by witnessing poverty and the aftermath of a volcanic eruption. The irony lies in how this lie forms the foundation of Virgil's relationship with his father. It also reveals the emptiness of the notion of heroism, particularly in a world where appearances matter more than truth. Virgil's entire life becomes an act of performing roles he never truly believes in.
The Absentee Father
Throughout the novel, Virgil attempts to portray himself as a dedicated father when making decisions like taking his family to church. Yet, there is situational irony in the way he deals with his sons. While he tries to manage their activities, his actual involvement in their lives is minimal. Virgil is preoccupied with his work and personal interests, which leads him to ignore the real emotional needs of his children. The irony is in the disconnect between Virgil’s perception of himself as a present father and the reality of his absence from their emotional upbringing.
