“...NEVER, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, LET THE VIRGINIAN WOLFSNAKE NEAR A TYPEWRITER.” Theory of Incongruity, Bakhtin's Theory of the Carnivalesque and Metafiction in Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events.

Abstract

The aim of this essay is to map out and examine the various forms of humour present in Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events. In addition, this essay analyses what purpose the humour serves to the text. The essay’s claim is that humour is ever-present in the books and provides not only comic amusement, but also dismantles general ideas and norms. Due to the humour’s complexity, I argue that several theories need to apply as frameworks in order to fully understand the humour and to what extent it occurs. Upon identifying the different recurring features I analyse the texts in relation to the theory of incongruity, Bakhtin's theory of the carnivalesque and ideas about metafiction. In extension, the essay will show how the theories interlink with the humour found within the novels.