Beatrice and Virgil

Style and Technique

Yann Martel's "Beatrice and Virgil" is distinguished by its unusual style and structure. The author uses metaphorical language and allegories to convey profound philosophical and moral themes. The book features numerous literary devices, such as intertextuality, where the text references other literary works, and metafiction, where the story of creating the book becomes part of the book itself. The novel's structure includes both traditional narrative and dramatic dialogues, giving it a theatrical quality. The language is rich and layered, with an emphasis on symbolism and wordplay. Martel also employs elements of parable and fable to explore themes of cruelty, suffering, and human nature.