Short Answer 
The excerpt showcases irony by contrasting the character’s expectations of a successful marriage with her deteriorating reality, reflecting the unpredictability of life. Despite being raised to uphold her family’s legacy, she ultimately becomes a representation of their lost grandeur, emphasizing the complexities of fate and societal expectations.
Step 1: Identify the Irony
The excerpt illustrates a clear example of irony by contrasting the character’s expectations with her actual circumstances. Initially, she is groomed to succeed in a prestigious marriage that would uphold her family’s legacy. Instead, the reality is quite different, which is the essence of irony.
Step 2: Analyze the Character’s Background
The main character’s upbringing reflects her family’s high aspirations. She was nurtured with the intention of achieving a successful match to preserve their standing. However, as fate would have it, her situation degrades, leading her to become the last remnant of her family’s once-grand lineage.
Step 3: Understand the Broader Implications
This situation serves to highlight the unpredictability of life and the pitfalls of societal expectations. Instead of achieving a lofty lifestyle, she faces a future that is devoid of wealth and security, reminding readers of the complexities of fate and the harsh realities that can accompany lofty aspirations.