Revisiting Leon Guilhamet as a Pioneer Critic of Satire in Literature: A Critical Perspective

Abstract

This paper primarily reconsiders Leon Guilhamet’s approach in understanding satire in literature, mainly through revisiting his critical book Satire and the Transformation of Genre (1989) which traces the development of satire as a genre that has undergone many transformations over the centuries, more specifically during the Renaissance period. The study aims to highlight the value and significance of using Guilhamet's critical concepts in his theory book regarding satire as an essential genre in literature. This study used a close reading methodology to assess Leon Guilhamet's perspectives of satire from his own critical perspective as well as through a historical analysis of this genre. The study traced its development from Plato’s time through the 18^th century, extensively and intensively probed the complex structures of satire in some significant literary works, such as John Dryden’s "Mac Felckone", and "Absalom and Achitophel"; Alexander Pope’s "The Rape of the Lock" and "Dunciad"; and Jonathan Swift’s A Tale of Tub and Gulliver’s Travels. The findings reveal that, in a unique and thorough critical approach, Guilhamet successfully explains in details how satire has developed through the literary works of major scholars, critics, poets, writers and novelists across centuries. This study also views Guilhamet's treatise as one of the most primary sources that gives an informative and illuminating insight on satire across different literary genres, which contribute to a more truthful and realistic understanding of satire in a non-conventional pattern known in particular as his own innovative method. It is quite obvious that looking thoroughly and profoundly into Leon Guilhamet's approach towards satire and its criticism paves the way for a better understanding of satirical texts written in different time periods, and reconnects literary criticism with modern satirical genres. Therefore, such a critical study will introduce readers to new perspectives that embrace Guilhamet's theoretical understanding of satirical literature.