THE GENRE OF IRONIC DETECTIVE IN FOREIGN LITERATURE (BASED ON THE MATERIAL OF “THE MALAUSSENE SAGA” BY D. PENNAC)

Abstract

Ironic detective is an interesting and a new genre in literature. It is often operates within a world they see as corrupt or flawed, wielding irony as a shield against disappointment. They challenge the traditional heroic mold, revealing the cracks in the detective archetype and the cases they pursue. Its development dates back to the middle of the twentieth century and continues up to the present days. The French literature of the twentieth century has notable representatives of the genre. This article examines the peculiarities of the genre of the ironic detective, in the context of the work of the popular modern French writer Daniel Pennac. This exploration dives into the enigmatic figure of the ironic detective, a masterfully layered creation where witty humor collides with the darkness of crime. To truly understand this breed of sleuth, we must first embark on a historical journey, tracing the evolution of the detective genre from its classic roots to the shadowy depths of French noir. Here, we’ll peel back the layers of irony, examining its dual function as a comedic weapon and a guiding principle for navigating the murky world of crime fiction. Using D. Pennac’s “The Malaussene Saga” as an example the features of the genre, alongside their manifestations at the content and formal level are illustrated. The article focuses on the fact that naturalistic details, scenes of cruelty, evil and chaos, caused by the consequences of the Second World War, are weakened due to ironic characteristics, stereotypes, as well as the very attitudes of the author and the narrator towards the surrounding world. The research proves that the analysed genre is an artistic form of a panoramic view of the society of the 80s with its false ideals and its consumerism.