Evelyn Waugh as a Satirist

This book studies the art of satire in the novels of Evelyn Waugh (1903-1966), born in a modest villa in the London suburb of Hampstead. Generally, it is the spirit of reform, the devotion to a cause, the sensitive or some other extraordinary quality that makes a writer truly satirical. The well-knit plots of his novels are full of a variety of subjects and make Evelyn Waugh the satirist shine forth as a rare luminary. On the basis of the idea of literature as communication, the study takes full account of the dynamics, scope and nature of the satirical aspect of his novels. It has critical examination to elicit technical aspect along with the moral and aesthetic assumptions that underlie the novels of Evelyn Waugh. The effective use of the ‘chief instruments’ of satire is a decisive factor in his novels. Realism decisive factor in his novels. Realism makes his satire true to life and the best hope of life is found in religion. Best hope of life is found in religion. No other object or principle except religion has enough off strength to save life because that is the ‘crusade’ of life. Besides, religion does not banish joy out of life. That sets rules for the improvement of society. The need of this study lies in the fact that the satirical aspect of his novels has not been analysed adequately. It is the study of satire that clarifies the objects of his themes. Here is an indispensable source-book for students, research scholars and teachers of English Literature.