Memories of the Monastery

Style and Technique

The novel «Memories of the Monastery» by José Saramago is distinguished by its unique style, characterized by long, complex sentences and a lack of traditional punctuation, creating an effect of a continuous stream of consciousness. The author employs the technique of magical realism, blending historical facts with fictional elements to create a rich and multilayered narrative structure. The language of the work is rich with metaphors and symbols, adding depth and ambiguity to the text. Saramago often uses irony and satire to critique the social and political aspects of Portuguese history. The structure of the novel is nonlinear, with frequent digressions and inserted episodes that allow the author to explore various themes and characters. Special attention is given to internal monologues and dialogues, which reveal the inner world of the characters and their relationships. Overall, Saramago's style and technique in this work create a unique literary tapestry that requires careful and thoughtful reading.