SATIRICAL TECHNIQUES AND ARTISTIC STRUCTURE IN EVELYN WAUGH'S STORIES
Keywords:
Key words: Evelyn Waugh, satire, irony, English literature, short stories, narrative structure, minimalism in style, hypocrisy in fiction, social criticism, character contrast, pathos vs irony, British satire, subtle mockery, 20th-century prose, satirical technique.Abstract
Annotation:This article provides a detailed examination of Evelyn Waugh’s use
of satire in his short stories, with particular attention to his narrative structure, stylistic
choices, and tonal strategies. It argues that Waugh deliberately avoids emotional excess
and overt judgment, favoring a minimalist and understated approach that heightens the
satirical effect. Through examples from stories like “Mr. Loveday’s Little Outing,”
“The Balance,” and “Basil Seal Rides Again,” the article illustrates how Waugh’s
calm, dry tone and structured plot development subtly expose hypocrisy, vanity, and
social inertia. The analysis further highlights how Waugh's satire relies on contrast
between appearance and reality, speech and action, rather than direct criticism. The
research draws from both Russian and English literary criticism, demonstrating
Waugh’s unique position in the tradition of English secular satire.
References
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