This passage is Mr. Shiftlet's reaction after the young hitchhiker insults his mother and jumps out of his
car. Read it, and answer the question.
How does this example of irony help develop the character of Mr. Shiftlet?
It shows that despite his immoral actions toward Lucynell, he doesn't think he's part of the "slime."
O ltillustrates that he made the right decision when he left Lucynell and picked up the boy instead.
It reinforces the idea that he regrets his actions toward Lucynell and is seeking forgiveness.