Irony of humor
Laughter and practical jokes are part of the banter the characters have about the philosophical and sociopolitical issues. They contemplate on topics of death, the meaning of life, and Stalinism in a tongue-in-cheek manner. Their response is unconventional and perhaps insensitive but it emanates from a philosophical standpoint. They highlight the insignificance of life by approaching the philosophical question with a witty and lighthearted attitude.
Irony of Stalinism
The Stalin caricatured character frequents the anecdotes that speculate on possible exchanges he has with his cronies. Therefore illustrates the political figure as a jokester using humor to torment his associates in sadistic ways. The Parisian characters offer these vignettes to showcase that the oppressive regime under Stalin is probably a joke taken seriously. His associates and the general public took Stalin’s witticisms seriously since it is the only way to make sense of the absurdity.
The irony of human existence
Navel-gazing is a central theme in the narrative with characters self-analyzing and contemplating existential queries. They propose the insignificance of life is the essence of existence because it is the most evident aspect of life. That insignificance is in everything we observe and experience and it just takes our acknowledgment to accept it. They suggest that accepting the insignificance of life is the only feasible path towards being happy.
Irony of eroticism
There is a fascination with the female physique in the narrative and the erotic power of different parts of the body. Alain’s obsession with the nature of eroticism and the female body leads him to consider the allure of the navel. The contemporary fashion trend that involves exposing the navel has redirected the seductive power from the thighs, breasts, and buttocks. Philosophically, the navel is the symbol of human life and finding the meaning of existence. Through this, it has become the center of erotic desire as it holds more seductive power.
