The Stone Raft

Style and Technique

José Saramago's novel «The Stone Raft» is distinguished by a unique style characterized by long, complex sentences and minimal punctuation. The author often employs a stream of consciousness, allowing deeper insight into the characters' thoughts and feelings. The language is rich with metaphors and symbolism, lending philosophical depth to the text. Saramago masterfully blends elements of magical realism with social satire, creating a multi-layered narrative. The structure of the novel is nonlinear, enabling readers to interpret events and their consequences independently. Dialogues often merge with the narrative, creating a continuous flow of speech that underscores the unity of the world and characters. The author also uses irony and allegories to explore themes of human nature, society, and freedom.