The paradox of repulsive and beautiful narrative
The sexual attraction between Richard and Joan is paradoxical. In the evening, Richard sees Joan as beautifully created as a flower, and he fantasizes about having sexual intercourse with her. At night, Johan is not interested in sex, but she undresses at around 11 pm in front of Richard. A few minutes later, Joan falls asleep, leaving Richard fantasizing. Early in the morning, Richard sees Joan as ugly because of her wrinkled skin. However, during the morning, Joan sees Richard as horny, and she tries to kiss him hard. Ironically, Richard is not interested in her because she looks very ugly and shabby.
The irony of blood donation
Richard and his wife are headed to Boston to donate blood to Joan's distant cousin. Richard seems pissed off, and he makes his wife uncomfortable. For instance, Richard talks about his wife's sexual emotionless and uses many other words to annoy her. Ironically, Richard is saying all these nasty words to his wife because he is scared of donating blood. The reader learns that Richard has never donated blood throughout his life. Therefore, Richard is just scared.
Joan’s coldness
The reader realizes that Richard is trying to do everything possible to be romantic and keep their marriage alive. Satirically, Joan ignores every move that Richard makes, and this disheartens him. For instance, Richard still believes that his wife is attractive even after giving birth to three children. When Richard tries to tease Joan to have sex with him, she prefers to read a book and fall asleep. Similarly, when Richard fakes a story that he dances with a particular lady, Johan is not jealous or interested. Therefore, Joan's coldness is ironic because she intentionally ignores her husband.
The irony of marriage
The people around see Richard's marriage and family as a happy institution. Ironically, the reader realizes that the marriage between Richard and Joan is not a bed of roses. For instance, the reader notes that Joan and Richard have made several attempts to get divorced, but that has not happened. The two also engage in sexual intercourse not because of love but a routine. Consequently, all that glitters is not gold.
The Twin beds
After several attempts to have privacy, at last Richard and Joan goes on a trip to Rome. Ironically, despite booking the room as a couple, they realize that they have been allocated a room with twin beds! When the time for sleeping comes, Joan tells her husband to sleep with her in her bed if he wishes! Richard is confused, and the expected romance fails to take place.
