The characters are mired in a condition of despair, which the author captures with a sense of humor. However, the overall tone is one of despair and critique of society.
Jonathan Rosenbaum delves into the preposterous characters created by John Kennedy Toole, noting how each one is trapped in their own despair. The humor in the novel is reactionary, often highlighting the absurdity of the characters' situations. Rosenbaum appreciates the author's ability to capture this despair, but also points out that the humor can be a double-edged sword, sometimes reinforcing the very issues it critiques. The novel's strength lies in its unflinching portrayal of a society mired in its own flaws, but it can be a challenging read for those seeking a more uplifting narrative.
Quick quotes
All of John Kennedy Toole's preposterous characters seem mired in this condition — to the profit of nothing but the author's despairing, reactionary humor.
The novel's strength lies in its unflinching portrayal of a society mired in its own flaws.
The humor in the novel is reactionary, often highlighting the absurdity of the characters' situations.