SYSTEMIC ANALYSIS OF JONATHAN COE'S NOVELS: BEYOND INDIVIDUAL SATIRE

ABSTRACT

Satire, as an integral part of English literature, has traversed a long and winding path of development, absorbing the historical, social, and political contexts of each era. From Swift’s scathing pamphlets to Thackeray’s witty sketches, satire has served as both a reflection of societal vices and a tool for their correction.

Jonathan Coe, a contemporary English writer, occupies a unique place in this tradition. His works, permeated with black humor and social critique, exemplify how satire adapts to the challenges of the 21st century. Coe employs grotesque, irony, and hyperbole to expose hypocrisy, consumerism, and political corruption.

An analysis of Coe’s works reveals how the satirical tradition in English literature evolves while retaining its core function: exposing societal flaws and prompting a rethinking of values. His satire is not merely entertainment but a powerful instrument of social influence.

АННОТАЦИЯ

Сатира, как неотъемлемая часть английской литературы, прошла долгий и извилистый путь развития, вбирая в себя исторические, социальные и политические контексты каждой эпохи. От язвительных памфлетов Свифта до остроумных зарисовок Теккерея, сатира служила зеркалом, отражающим пороки общества, и одновременно – инструментом для его исправления.

Джонатан Коу, современный английский писатель, занимает особое место в этом ряду. Его творчество, пронизанное черным юмором и социальной критикой, является ярким примером того, как сатира адаптируется к вызовам XXI века. Коу использует гротеск, иронию и гиперболу для разоблачения лицемерия, потребительства и политической коррупции.

Анализ произведений Дж. Коу позволяет проследить, как сатирическая традиция английской литературы трансформируется, сохраняя при этом свою основную функцию – обличение недостатков общества и побуждение к переосмыслению ценностей. Его сатира – это не просто развлечение, но и мощный инструмент социального воздействия.

Keywords: satire, satirical tradition, contemporary English literature, Jonathan Coe’s oeuvre.

Ключевые слова: сатира, сатирическая традиция, современная английская литература, творчество Джонатана Коу.

English literature boasts a rich tradition of satire, accompanying various epochs and encompassing diverse genres. From Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, with its biting portraits of society, to the caustic prose of Jonathan Swift, satire has been a potent instrument of critique and social denunciation.

Satire is a form of the comic, distinguished by its sharpness of critique [5].
As M. M. Bahtin notes, the term «satire» encompasses several phenomena: firstly, it is a subtype of the broader aesthetic category of the «comic», signifying the humorous and rooted in playful, carnivalesque merriment; secondly, it is a specific minor lyrical-epic poetic genre that emerged and developed in Roman literature and was revived in the modern era by neoclassicists; thirdly, it is a less defined, mixed (predominantly prose) dialogic genre that arose during the Hellenistic period in the form of the philosophical diatribe, later reshaped and formalized by the Cynic Menippus (3rd century BCE) and named after him as Menippean satire. Bahtin emphasizes that this form of satire «directly paved the way for a major variant of the European novel» [5, p. 935].

The history of satire in English literature is multifaceted and compelling, it underscores the relevance of this article.

Materials and methods

This study conducts a systematic analysis of Jonathan Coe's novels, with primary focus on What a Carve Up! (1994), Middle England (2018), and Bournville (2022) as representative texts that transcend individual satire to engage with systemic societal critique.

The methodology of research employs the comparative-historical method, facilitating a juxtaposition of Coe’s satirical approach with classical English humor and holistic analysis of literary works, examining their structural and thematic unity, as well as stylistic analysis.

Results

The Enlightenment marked the golden age of English satire. Alexander Pope’s poetry and Henry Fielding’s prose mocked the hypocrisy and vices of high society, employing wit and irony to maximum effect.

During the Victorian era, satire adopted a more restrained tone while retaining its relevance. The works of William Thackeray and Anthony Trollope offered subtle social critique, disguising it as realistic depictions of everyday life. Oscar Wilde, in his plays, delivered sharp, witty critiques of bourgeois society.

In the 20th century, satire evolved to reflect the absurdity and chaos of modernity. Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World employed satire to warn against the dangers of totalitarian control and unchecked technological progress.

In the 21st century, English satire continues to develop, adapting to contemporary issues – from dystopian narratives to modern satirical comedies – remaining a vital element of the literary tradition.

Three primary forms of satire characterize English literature [6]:

1. Horatian Satire (named after the Roman satirist Horace, 1st century BCE): Playful and witty, it critiques human nature and follies. Examples include Jonathan Swift’s A Modest Proposal (which should be classified as black humour), where the narrator suggests impoverished Irish families sell their children as food for the rich – using irony to expose societal indifference – and Alexander Pope’s The Rape of the Lock, which parodies epic grandeur to mock the triviality of a social scandal.
2. Juvenalian Satire (named after Juvenal, 1st century CE): Bitter and aggressive, it attacks religion, politicians, and public figures with biting sarcasm. Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels exemplifies this, allegorically condemning not just society but England’s historical trajectory.
3. Menippean Satire (named after the Greek Cynic Menippus): Targets mental attitudes rather than social norms, mocking one-dimensional figures such as fanatics, misers, and braggarts. Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland satirizes Victorian moralizing and hypocrisy.

Modern forms of satire in English literature include [6]:

1. Burlesque: Exaggerates style or content for comic effect, often contrasting lofty language with trivial subjects. Pope’s The Rape of the Lock serves as a prime example, parodying heroic epics to lampoon aristocratic vanity.
2. Parody: Imitates and distorts a specific work or genre, as seen in Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey, a send-up of Gothic novels popular in her time.

The 20th century also saw the rise of Thatcherism satire, responding to Margaret Thatcher’s polarizing policies (1979–1990). Satire during this period took diverse forms – television, music, theater, and cartoons – serving as a counter-narrative to political discourse and galvanizing public dissent.

In the 21st century, Jonathan Coe (b. 1961) has emerged as a pivotal figure in sustaining and advancing the satirical tradition in English literature. Acclaimed for novels such as What a Carve Up! (1994), Bournville (2022), and Middle England (2018), Coe employs satire not merely as a tool for critique but as a multifaceted means of interrogating contemporary reality. His work deftly blends political satire – lampooning bureaucracy and governmental hypocrisy – with social satire that targets consumerist culture and its underlying values. This approach aligns his creations predominantly with the Horatian mode of satire.

Coe fearlessly engages with pressing issues, including inequality, class divisions, and media influence. His satire frequently adopts absurdist and grotesque forms, rendering his social commentary both vivid and incisive. Humor in Coe's works serves not as an end in itself but as a vehicle to draw attention to systemic problems and provoke critical reflection. A striking example is Number 11 (2015), where the antagonist murders stand-up comedians, justifying his actions as a response to their perceived role in normalizing social ills. The novel exemplifies Menippean satire, critiquing judicial complacency while deconstructing dominant societal narratives. Coe’s narratives grapple with urgent British concerns: immigration, class stratification, education and healthcare crises, the psychological impact of collective unconsciousness, and questions of gender identity.

Bournville [1] further demonstrates Coe’s mastery of Menippean satire, directing its mockery toward Britain’s education system, social inequality, and middle-class hypocrisy. Through grotesque exaggeration, irony, and parody, Coe exposes the absurdities of institutionalized schooling and provincial life. His characters, rendered as caricatures, embody societal flaws: teachers obsess over career advancement and school rankings at the expense of students, while parents chase superficial respectability, neglecting their children’s needs. The novel particularly scrutinizes grading systems and educational reforms that reduce learning to a hollow competition, stifling individuality and creativity – a theme echoing Lewis Carroll’s earlier critiques of conformity.

The literary impact of Bournville cannot be overstated. A paradigm of political satire, the novel has significantly influenced contemporary writers, proving satire’s enduring power as a tool for sociopolitical analysis. Its relevance persists, with its sharp observations of political life retaining their urgency for new generations of readers.

Despite its satirical edge, Bournville remains deeply humanistic. Coe does not merely ridicule societal failings but extends empathy to their victims. The novel balances its critique with a call to action, advocating for a more equitable and morally grounded future. It offers not just condemnation but catharsis – a vision of hope where justice and ethical values might prevail.

It is crucial to emphasize that Coe's satire is neither malicious nor destructive in nature. Rather, it functions as a social mirror, reflecting societal flaws while maintaining hope for positive change. Coe offers readers alternative perspectives on the world, advocating for more conscious and responsible modes of existence.

A distinctive feature of Coe's satirical method is his pronounced use of intertextuality. He actively incorporates references to classical literature, films, and popular culture, crafting multilayered narratives that demand reader’s erudition. These allusions not only enrich the text but also enable Coe to engage in dialogue with cultural heritage, reinterpreting it through a contemporary lens. In What a Carve Up! [3], hypertextuality emerges as the dominant form of intertextuality. This is evident from the novel's opening scenes depicting the 50th birthday celebration of Mortimer Winshaw, where the ostensibly unified yet deeply fractured family dynamic – with each member pursuing selfish agendas and displaying prejudice against «non-Winshaws» like the wives of Godfrey and Mortimer – deliberately echoes the iconic introductory sequence of John Galsworthy's The Forsyte Saga.

The novel employs grotesque, caricatured characters as primary instruments of satirical representation. Each figure embodies a hyperbolic manifestation of specific social types or human vices. The protagonist, for instance, is portrayed as a successful yet morally bankrupt businessman – an avaricious, unprincipled hypocrite whose every action stems from insatiable greed, completely devoid of redeeming qualities.

Secondary characters similarly undergo satirical scrutiny: corrupt officials, mercenary journalists, and socialites obsessed with fashion and gossip all become targets of the author's relentless critique. Coe deploys grotesque exaggeration, hyperbole, and sarcasm without restraint, laying bare the absurdity and vacuity of their existences.

The novel extends its critique beyond individual personalities to subject social institutions and foundational norms to satirical scrutiny. The author exposes the hypocrisy of political systems, corruption within law enforcement, and the venality of mass media, revealing how noble proclamations of justice and equality mask cynical struggles for power and resources.

Particular attention is devoted to lampooning contemporary consumer culture. Coe ridicules the cult of material success and the relentless pursuit of fashion and prestige, which he presents as catalysts for spiritual impoverishment and societal moral decay. His narrative demonstrates how profit-obsessed individuals shed their humanity, degenerating into soulless consumers.

A central aspect of the novel's satirical portrayal is its indictment of shifting moral paradigms. Traditional virtues – honesty, decency, compassion – are shown being supplanted by hypocritical facsimiles. The work satirizes the win-at-all-costs mentality, the worship of power and wealth, and the willingness to compromise principles for personal gain.

Numerous instances of moral degradation populate the narrative: characters betray friends, deceive partners, and exploit others for selfish ends. Coe illustrates how ethical principles become meaningless in a world dominated by greed and self-interest.

Despite its fantastical setting and caricatured characters, What a Carve Up! addresses profoundly relevant contemporary issues – corruption, power abuse, media manipulation, ethical disorientation, and the degradation of political culture. Coe advocates for civic engagement and the defense of rights, conveying the moral imperative that citizens must recognize their role in national political life and take responsibility for shaping their collective future.

A distinctive feature of Coe's satire is its self-deprecating quality. By subjecting his own beliefs and methods to mockery, the author avoids didactic pomposity, rendering his critique more persuasive. This self-irony establishes critical distance between narrator and subject, inviting readers to consider issues from multiple perspectives.

Ultimately, Jonathan Coe's satire serves as a powerful analytical tool for comprehending modern complexity. His works initiate dialogues about societal futures, as exemplified in Middle England [2], where election-period Britain becomes a canvas for exploring political machinations. Through satire, Coe expresses skepticism about eliminating dirty politics while still provoking crucial reflection.

It offers a scathing critique of consumerist society and the erosion of spiritual values in contemporary Britain. The novel exposes how material prosperity and the relentless pursuit of success have become primary life objectives for many, while mocking the cult of consumption, social media addiction, and shallow entertainment that distract from substantive issues and erode critical thinking. Coe's characters, immersed in material comforts, frequently emerge as spiritually hollow and profoundly unhappy individuals. Their futile search for meaning in possessions and diversions underscores the tragic absurdity of modern existence.

Coe masterfully employs grotesque exaggeration and pervasive irony to intensify his satirical impact. By amplifying character traits and situations to absurd proportions, he compels readers to reconsider familiar realities through a lens of tragicomedy. These techniques serve not merely to ridicule social vices but to provoke deeper reflection on identity loss, value crises, and Britain's national future. The characters' grotesque predicaments frequently operate as metaphors for systemic issues demanding urgent engagement.

Middle England stands as a paradigm of politically engaged satire whose relevance persists unabated. Coe demonstrates how political processes, social tensions, and cultural trends interweave to form the complex, contradictory tapestry of our contemporary world.

Discussion and Conclusions

Coe's humor thrives on juxtaposing elevated and mundane, serious and comic elements. His skillful blending of absurdist and grotesque techniques highlights the ridiculousness of social phenomena, creating memorably incisive satire.

The novel's critique extends beyond political institutions and social norms to examine interpersonal alienation and loneliness as endemic conditions of modernity. Coe's protagonists – ordinary people navigating difficult circumstances – become subjects of satirical examination precisely through their flaws and vulnerabilities.

Crucially, Coe's satire avoids malice or vindictiveness. Rather than provoking anger or contempt, it elicits reader’s empathy and understanding. His purpose is not denigration but enlightenment – compelling audiences to consider root causes and potential solutions to depicted problems.

Thus, Jonathan Coe's satire emerges as a sophisticated phenomenon that simultaneously honors and innovates the English satirical tradition. His works constitute invaluable contributions to contemporary literature, fostering critical thought and advocating for a more humane, equitable society. Coe's narrative strategy – alternating between humor and pathos, between individual foibles and systemic critique – ultimately transforms satire from mere entertainment into a vital instrument of social consciousness.

References:

1. Coe J. Bournville. – London: Penguin Books, 2020. – 370 p.
2. Coe J. Middle England. – London: Penguin Books, 2018. – 432 p.
3. Coe J. What a Carve Up! – London: Penguin Books, 1995. – 512 p.
4. Emmett S. Satire. Oxford Encyclopedia of Literature. – Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2019. – 33 p.
5. Literary Encyclopedia of Terms and Concepts. – Moscow: Intelvak Publ., 2001. – 1595 p.
6. Sperrin D. State of Ridicule: A History of Satire in English Literature. –Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2025. – 800 p.