Augie: A Picaro Deviation from the Picaresque Genre in the Adventures of Augie March by Saul Bellow
Abstract
The picaresque novel, as it developed in Spain during the sixteenth century, influenced also modern novels, although it may not contain all the elements of the traditional picaresque genre. This study analyzed the use of picaresque form in The Adventures of Augie March by Bellow in an attempt to evaluate the effectiveness of the form in a modern novel. Judging by the characteristics, The Adventures of Augie March exhibited many of the qualities of the traditional picaresque. Augie is a rogue who moves through a series of adventures, which satirize the society he lives in. However, the difference between this modern picaresque and its prototype lies in the purpose of the novel. Augie, unlike the traditional picaro, is searching for a fate which will include both the full realization of self and love. Thus, his adventures are steps in his quest rather than self-contained satirical episodes. The analysis of the novel supported the idea that picaresque form is a flexible and resourceful vehicle which offers certain definite advantages to the contemporary author in his portrayal of modern life.
Keywords: Picaro, episodes, picaresque genre, deviation.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Declaration/Copyright transfer:
1. In consideration of the undertaking set out in paragraph 2, and upon acceptance by ANGLISTICUM for publication of the manuscript in the Journal, I/We hereby assign and transfer publication rights to ANGLISTICUM, whereas I/We retain the copyright for the manuscript. This assignment provides ANGLISTICUM the sole right and responsibility to publish the manuscript in its printed and online version, and/or in other media formats.
2. In consideration of this assignment, ANGLISTICUM hereby undertakes to prepare and publish the manuscript in the Journal, subject only to its right to refuse publication if there is a breach of the Author’s warranty in paragraph 4 or if there are other reasonable grounds.
3. Editors and the editorial board of ANGLISTICUM are empowered to make such editorial changes as may be necessary to make the Manuscript suitable for publication.
4. I/We hereby acknowledge that: (a) The manuscript submitted is an original work and that I/We participated in the work substantively and thus I/We hereby are prepared to take public responsibility for the work; (b) I/We hereby have seen and approved the manuscript as submitted and that the manuscript has not either been published, submitted or considered for publication elsewhere; (c) The text, illustration, and any other materials included in the manuscript do not infringe upon any existing copyright or other rights of anyone.
5. I/We hereby indemnify ANGLISTICUM and the respective Editors of the Journal as mentioned in paragraph 3, and hold them harmless from any loss, expense or damage occasioned by a claim or suit by a third party for copyright infringement, or any suit arising out of any breach of the foregoing warranties as a result of publication of the manuscript.