Humor and Idiosyncrasies in Upamanyu Chatterjee’s English, August: An Indian Story

Volume 2 Issue 2 Monsoon Edition 2022

Abstract

Aim: This article endeavors to analyze the Black Humor, Satire, and Idiosyncrasies in English, August: An Indian Story, the maiden novel of the bureaucrat-novelist Upamanyu Chatterjee. Upamanyu Chatterjee takes up the common character and situation but exaggerates them beyond the limit of normal irony or satire. This kind of Black Humor he finds even in great icons of the nation, religious beliefs, and sentiments of the people. Methodology and Approach: The study is based on the novels of Upamanyu Chatterjee particularly English, August: An Indian Story. The post-colonial approach is used here to analyze the text. Outcome: Upamanyu Chatterjee has been blessed with a unique talent to deal with satire and Black Humor in his well-known ironic way. He discusses taboo subjects and adds elements of satire. This Black Humor springs from the ‘Ennui’ of the protagonist Agastya Sen and other young characters in his works. Conclusion: The novel English, August: An Indian Story presents the Idiosyncrasies of the protagonist and effectively creates Black Humor which on the one hand makes the readers laugh while on the other hand makes a sarcastic comment on the postmodern society.