After the Frog refuses to let the Rocket get a word in edgewise during their conversation, the Rocket condemns the Frog for being selfish. This is an example of situational irony because, in every other conversation the Rocket has had in the story, he has been the one speaking over others, yet he doesn’t consider himself selfish. The irony comes across in the following passage:
“You are a very irritating person,” said the Rocket, “and very ill-bred. I hate people who talk about themselves, as you do, when one wants to talk about oneself, as I do. It is what I call selfishness, and selfishness is a most detestable thing, especially to any one of my temperament, for I am well known for my sympathetic nature. In fact, you should take example by me; you could not possibly have a better model.”
The Rocket describes the Frog as “irritating” for ceaselessly wanting to talk about himself, yet then immediately states that he also only wants to talk about himself. Rather than being “selfish” for this (the way the Frog is), the Rocket ironically describes himself as “sympathetic.” The Rocket’s conclusion that the Frog “could not possibly have a better model” for how to act than himself demonstrates just how delusional he is—his arrogance keeps him from seeing his own arrogance, therefore keeping him from being able to see reality correctly or connect with those around him.
