Fate and Irony

The gods manipulate events with ironic detachment, as seen in the Duke's fall on orange peel and the tragicomic mass deaths, emphasizing the absurdity of human passion against cosmic indifference.

The sweating Roman Emperors foreshadow the doom Zuleika brings to Oxford, an ironic warning from stone figures.

The Duke's attempt to flee his love is futile; he is 'stranded forever' on the isle of the enchantress. The bulldog's instinctive rejection of Zuleika also carries ironic weight.

The Duke's belief that his death will save others from Zuleika's allure is ironic, as she is more captivated by his resolve than ever.

The ghost of Humphrey Greddon, a figure from the past, watches the doomed men, and the Duke's attempt to save them only inspires their fatal resolve.