A Trickster's Map: The Picaresque Novel

By Sudip Kumar Das and DIPAN KUMAR DAS

Chapter 1: Introduction to the PicaresqueDefinition of the picaresque genreHistorical origins in Spanish literatureKey characteristics: episodic structure, satirical tone, social commentaryOverview of the picaresque hero or "picaro"Significance of the genre in literary historyChapter 2: The Birth of the PicaroDetailed analysis of "Lazarillo de Tormes," the first picaresque novelContext of Spain in the 16th centuryThemes of survival, hypocrisy, and class struggleInfluence on European literatureChapter 3: Evolution Across BordersAdaptation of the picaresque form in other European countriesFrench, English, and German picaresque novelsComparative study of "Gil Blas," "Moll Flanders," and "Simplicius Simplicissimus"Impact of cultural differences on the genreChapter 4: The Picaro in Modern LiteratureThe picaresque's transition into the modern eraAnalysis of contemporary novels with picaresque elementsDiscussions on "The Catcher in the Rye," "On the Road," and "Confederacy of Dunces"Evolution of the picaro archetype in modern settingsChapter 5: Characteristics of the PicaroDeep dive into the traits of the picaro: cleverness, adaptability, moral ambiguityThe picaro's role as a social outsider and criticExamination of the narrative voice and the unreliable narratorRole of humor and irony in picaresque storytellingChapter 6: Picaresque Structure and StyleAnalysis of the episodic narrative structureRole of realism and detailed observation in picaresque novelsUse of satire and the grotesqueStylistic elements typical of the genreChapter 7: Themes and MotifsCommon themes: critique of society, religion, and authorityExploration of poverty, deception, and identityMotifs such as the journey, disguise, and episodic adventuresRole of the picaresque novel in societal reflection and critiqueChapter 8: The Picaresque's Influence on Other GenresIntersection with adventure stories, satirical works, and bildungsromanInfluence on film and television: examples from popular mediaDiscussion of hybrid genres and contemporary interpretationsThe legacy of the picaresque in narrative video games and graphic novelsChapter 9: Critical PerspectivesMajor critical theories and interpretations of the picaresqueFeminist, postcolonial, and Marxist readingsScholarly debates on the classification and boundaries of the genreContemporary relevance and criticismsChapter 10: ConclusionSummarization of the picaresque's enduring legacy and adaptabilityThe future of the picaresque novel in a globalized worldFinal thoughts on the role of the trickster and societal observation in literatureClosing remarks on the importance of studying picaresque works for understanding cultural and historical contexts

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0D3HS67GD
• ISBN13: 9798325022630
• Release Date: May 2024
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 190 Pages
• Weight: 0.58 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.0" x 9.0"