The Twelve Chairs

Style and Technique

The Twelve Chairs is a classic of Soviet literature, distinguished by its witty humor, sarcasm, and irony. Authors Ilya Ilf and Yevgeny Petrov masterfully use satire to depict the realities of early 20th-century Soviet life. The novel is written in a light and accessible language, with an abundance of dialogues that make the reading dynamic and engaging. The book consists of numerous short chapters, each with its own plot twist, maintaining the reader's interest throughout. Literary devices such as hyperbole, allegory, and humor are used for a subtle analysis and critique of societal vices and shortcomings. The narrative structure is complex and multi-layered, representing the journey of the main characters in search of the treasure hidden in one of the twelve chairs. This journey serves as a framework for developing numerous comedic and satirical situations, reflecting the social and cultural atmosphere of the time.