Irony of Humans
When Sam observes Cob and Pen, they become afraid. It is ironical that humans have frightened the birds and animals. Cob thinks that the boy might throw stones or stick at them. There are several examples of children torturing the animals and birds. One such example is Nils in "The wonderful adventures of Nils.' He used to torture his domestic cat and other animals. When Sam helps the pair of the swan by saving them from a hungry fox, only then they start trusting him. Sam was a compassionate human who helps the birds instead of hurting them. Through giving his example, the author has tried to teach the children to be kind towards other creatures.
Irony of Communication
Another irony in the book is the irony of communication. Louis was unable to communicate his feelings towards his beloved. He cannot talk to his parents because he was born mute. His beloved doesn't give response because of his lack of communication. It is also ironical that he learns to read and write but still he couldn't convey his feelings to other swans because they couldn't understand him. Louis knew how to read and write but the other swans only knew how to speak. Furthermore, he feels lonely owing to being mute. It is only through the trumpet that he becomes able to communicate with his beloved. The voice of music conveys his feelings and ideas to others.
Irony of Saving Life
It is also ironical that Louis saves the life of a human who was making a suicide attempt because of humans. Applegate Skinner was a camper who was going into the lake for taking his life. People make fun of him and he feels hurt to the point of committing suicide. The irony is that a bird saves his life instead of humans. Louis saves him and then gets a medal for his services.
Irony of Materialism
Louis keeps all the things which he gets during his journey. Sam gives him a chalk and a chalkboard, his father gives him a trumpet and he got a waterproof money box and a medal as a result of his services for the camper and for saving Applegate Skinner's life. Louis hangs the trumpet and the money along with the chalkboard with his neck with the help of a string. The weight of the objects became an obstacle in his flight. The irony is that the worldly possessions do not allow a person to remain light and free. The worldly possessions of Louis hinder his capability of flying. It was only after getting rid of them that he was able to fly.
Irony of Money
The shopkeeper shoots Cob without knowing that he came for apology. There is an irony in the situation where Cob comes to give the money along with an apology letter and gets shot by the shopkeeper. The warden and a police man get indulge in a quarrel regarding the ownership of the money. Although the money didn't belong to anyone except the shopkeeper but still they start fighting over it. It is ironical that a swan was more honest than the humans who begun to quarrel. The swan plays the role of a judge and gives the money to the shopkeeper for the stolen trumpet. Another irony of money is that Louis and Cob put their lives on stakes for returning the money and the shopkeeper gives it yo the Audubon society.
