Satire is writing that uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to ridicule or point out human insecurities or shortcomings.
Prompt: In “The Happy Man,” by Naguib Mahfouz, the author repeats the word “happy” numerous times within the story. Explain why the author is using repetition and what message he is sending to the audience about the state of society and "being happy". Be sure to use the R.A.C.E. Method to answer in one full paragraph.
1 answer
The author, Naguib Mahfouz, uses repetition of the word "happy" in "The Happy Man" to express a satirical message about the societal pressure to appear happy despite internal struggles. The repetition of the word emphasizes the importance placed on being happy and the lengths people go to achieve it. However, the story also highlights the superficiality of this pursuit as the main character, who appears outwardly happy, is ultimately unfulfilled and lacking true happiness. Mahfouz is using this repetition to ridicule the societal expectation that everyone should be happy and expose the flaws in valuing happiness above inner peace and contentment. In doing so, he invites the audience to question the widespread belief that happiness is the ultimate goal in life.