How does the author use irony in the novel, Onion John?

Krumgold uses irony, particularly in relationship to Andy's father and Onion John, to reveal his characters' different attitudes. Mr. Rusch believes that the greatest gift he can give his son is to enable him to "go to the moon," while Onion John interprets that wish as an immeasurable insult: "I've never heard of any father who would send his only son to the moon!" It is ironic that Mr. Rusch, who has seemed very opinionated throughout most of the book, ends up advising others to "keep an open mind." While Onion John wishes to leave Serenity because of the evil he feels exists in the community, Andy's father says he should stay so that people will "keep on being goodhearted." Another example of irony is that Onion John's new house is destroyed when he attempts to use the electric stove, an appliance he had not wanted in the first place. Krumgold comments that the fire might have been the "best thing" to happen to Onion John.