Drunk Sacrifice

In The Drunkard by Frank O'Connor, the principal irony revolves around the son's drunkenness. The father has a drinking problem and it is harmful to the family. In order to prevent father from becoming drunk, Larry, the son, drinks the pint of beer that is behind his father's back. His father becomes disgusted. His father is disappointed in the way his son acts. The father is embarrassed by his son's actions. The Father promises to never have a another drink again. The ironic part of this story is that the father shows that he is disgusted with drunkenness. He feels the way his family feels, when he is out drunk. The mother embraces Larry because he  has prevented Father from drinking ever again, " 'My brave little man!' she said with her eyes shining. 'It was God did it you were there. You were his guardian angel.' " (O'Connor, 351).