The Year of the Death of Ricardo Reis

Style and Technique

José Saramago's novel «The Year of the Death of Ricardo Reis» is distinguished by its unique style, combining elements of magical realism and philosophical prose. Saramago's style is characterized by long, complex sentences often filled with commas and minimal use of periods. This creates an effect of a continuous stream of thought, immersing the reader in the world of the protagonist's reflections and observations. The language of the novel is rich with metaphors and symbols, allowing for a deeper exploration of the philosophical and existential themes of the work. Literary techniques such as intertextuality and allusions to Fernando Pessoa's works play a crucial role in the narrative structure, creating layers and depth. The novel's nonlinear structure reflects Ricardo Reis's inner world and his contemplations on life, death, and time. Saramago uses dialogues that often transition into monologues to convey the characters' inner experiences and philosophical reflections. Overall, Saramago's style and technique in this novel create an atmosphere of introspection and melancholy, inviting the reader to deeply ponder human existence.