Colonel Pargiter's Affair
It is a situational irony that while Mrs. Pargiter was sick and dying in bed, Mr. Pargiter had an affair. The reader would have expected that Mr. Pargiter be faithful to his wife and mother of his children at at a time when she was ill.
Delia's Reaction to Her Mother's Death
It is a situational irony that when Mrs. Pargiter died, her daughter Delia was delighted. This is because Delia saw her mother as a burden that once removed life would be good again. This is ironical for the readers expect that Delia be sad that her mother had passed away.
The Societal Expectations of Women
In the 19th century , women were expected to get married and have a family. They were not allowed to learn like the boys were. It is a situational irony that Eleanor is seen as a sad disappointment in the society because she never got married.
Eleanor Going to Court
It is ironical that Eleanor goes to court to view proceedings yet she does not listen carefully or understand what the cases are about. The readers would expect that she is passionate or understands cases so that Eleanor can go there.
Colonel Pargiter's View of His Children
It is ironical that Mr. Pargiter loved his children according to their abilities rather than unconditionally. This is because he loved Edward and Morris more than the other children because they did well in school.
