Abstract

This paper enquires into the use of satire, especially literary satire. Focusing on two culturally different satirical novels (The Pessoptimist and The Holy Land), it attempts to identify the techniques of producing satire and the conditions needed for comprehending it. It aims at testing the applicability of Simpson’s Model of Satirical Humour to literary satirical works and especially those written in Arabic. An analysis of a Palestinian satirical novel in comparison with an American one is provided. Such analysis focuses on the linguistic characteristics of Arabic that may highlight it as more satirical and gives prominence to science fiction as a vehicle for satire. The effective role of stylistic techniques and pragmatic principles is introduced in analysing literary works in general and satirical works in particular. Through discussing the components of the stylistic model, the reader’s role in achieving the satirical effect of satirical works is foregrounded and more elaboration is given to the metaphoric satirical techniques. Finally, the paper proposes a couple of modifications to the model in relation to both the satirical techniques and the satirical uptake process.

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