Heartless people
After the Lisbon girls’ deaths, nobody sympathizes with their parents. Almost everybody forgets about these five cheerful girls, and only the neighborhood boys miss them: “The subject of the Lisbon girls becomes almost taboo. It is like picking over a corpse after a while.” The irony is that after the most tragic event, an indifferent and egoistical society continues its habitual existence.
Therese’s vacancy
It is known before the suicide Therese has a dream. A reporter informs in his broadcast “Therese has written a letter to the Brown admissions office.” However, after this action she decides to commit suicide. Only three days pass, before she puts an end to any dreams of college or... of anything else. The irony is based on the fact that Therese exchanges her endless dream for the senseless death.
Wedding dress
During the whole novel, Cecilia always wears the wedding dress. She even wears her dress to her party: “The dress is vintage 1920s and it has sequins on the bust.” Nobody knows whether this dress has a special meaning or predicts Cecilia’s suicide. However, it seems slightly ironical that 13-year-old Cecilia wears a wedding dress.
