Thurber uses heavy irony throughout “The Catbird Seat.” How does irony inform the portrayal of the story’s characters?

Mr. Martin and Mrs. Barrows are foils for one another. Choose four areas in which these characters contrast and discuss the significance of each contrast, using specific examples from the text.

Milk symbolizes Mr. Martin’s monotony and outward innocuousness. Identify three other symbols relating to Mr. Martin and explain what they represent.