Requiem for a Dream

Style and Technique

The novel «Requiem for a Dream» by Hubert Selby is characterized by a dark and realistic style that underscores the hopelessness and destruction of the characters' lives. The author uses raw and straightforward language to convey the harsh reality of addiction and dependency. Literary techniques include a fragmented narrative structure that reflects the disjointed and chaotic lives of the characters. Selby also makes extensive use of internal monologues and stream of consciousness, allowing a deeper insight into the characters' psyches. Dialogues often lack punctuation, creating a sense of continuous flow of thoughts and conversations. The novel's structure is non-linear, alternating between different perspectives, which helps create a multi-layered perception of events and enhances the emotional impact on the reader.