Irony of Marian's physical appearance
When Walter first encounters Marian, she is standing at some distance from him. When Walter first casts his glance on her from a distance, he takes note of her graceful, feminine figure. Walter is struck by her beautiful and graceful figure, and is expecting to meet a beautiful lady. But as he approaches her, he realizes that her facial features are rough and masculine. Walter is amazed by the ironic discrepancy of her beautiful form and repulsive face. This irony indicates that Marian possesses both feminine and masculine characteristics.