Which statement is an example of a paradox?

"now they have beaten me, he thought. i am too old to club sharks to death. but i will try it as long as i have the oars and the short club and the tiller."? this passage shows santiago's belief that a. he will never fish again. b. he is too old to continue fishing. c. man can be defeated but not destroyed. d. the sharks got the best of him.

In the sentence above, which verb is the irregular verb? a. laid b. warmed c. removed d. walked

Which best expresses the irony present in this passage?