How does the author use satire (humor, irony, exaggeration) to criticize society in “The Happy Man,” by Naguib Mahfouz?

Question

Satire is writing that uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to ridicule or point out human insecurities or shortcomings.



 Question: How does the author use satire (humor, irony, exaggeration) to criticize society in “The Happy Man,” by Naguib Mahfouz? The word “happy” is repeated numerous times within the story. Explain why the author is using repetition and what message he is sending to the audience about the state of society. Be sure to use the R.A.C.E. Method to answer in one full paragraph.

Answer 1

I think you can handle this, Katherine.

Repetition is used to point out something the author wants to get across. I am sure you use social media. How many times do you see posts where the author is constantly emphasizing how great everything is, and you think to yourself, "Really, is it really great? Your life is so perfect that you have to constantly tell everyone that it is?" Probably not, right? So if the author keeps using the same (boring) word "happy"--do you see what I am getting at here?

That one I am going to give you. Now look at the text to see where the author is using the literary device satire (using the examples the teacher gave you in parentheses) to indicate the opposite or point out the ridiculousness (or whatever you think it is) of society.

Feel free to write me back or hit me up for tutoring.