Satire as Subversion: A Stylistic Inquiry into Race, Irony, and Language in Paul Beatty’s The Sellout (2015)

Syed Zamanat Abbas

doi:10.63931/ijchr.v7iSI2.504

Authors

Syed Zamanat Abbas Department of English Langauge and Literature, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1242-3348

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63931/ijchr.v7iSI2.504

Keywords:

Satire, subversion, racial dynamics, African American Vernacular English (AAVE),, stereotypes, irony, cultural appropriation

Abstract

This paper provides an in-depth stylistic analysis of Paul Beatty’s critically acclaimed novel, The Sellout (2015). Beatty’s narrative, set against the backdrop of a fictional town in Los Angeles, serves as a sharp satirical commentary on contemporary racial dynamics in the United States. Through an examination of the novel's linguistic choices, narrative techniques, and thematic concerns, this analysis reveals how Beatty employs a distinctive blend of satire, irony, and linguistic dexterity to engage with pressing social issues. Special emphasis is placed on Beatty’s use of African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and other forms of English to underscore themes of racial identity, institutional racism, and self-reflection. A comparative segment highlights the novel’s stylistic uniqueness when juxtaposed with other contemporary works on similar themes. This paper underscores the novel’s significance in modern literature, demonstrating how Beatty’s stylistic choices enhance readers’ perceptions and understandings of its profound themes.

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