Douglas Adams/The Hitchikers' Guide to the Galaxy - Research Paper Example

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy Douglas Noel Adams, of “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” series, uses satire that is all about fun. Most of the author’s humor is caused by unexpected ideas, words, genre, and spoof of the human nature (Yeates 81). For example, the spacecraft, named Heart of Gold, looks like a running shoe. Nuclear warheads that assault the spacecraft are made to turn into a sperm whale and a bowl of petunias. He also makes humorous statements such as monkeys pounding out a Shakespeare play if left with a typewriter (Wynne-Jones 628-9).

Another style of the author is flashback. It is effective in providing information to readers since there is no previous information of the situation in space. In the book, the author accomplishes this through the narratives and footnotes. For example, the notes in the electronic Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy give the readers thorough information on Magrathea. Furthermore, information about Deep Thought and its goal is explained through Slartibartfast’s narratives (Wynne-Jones 631). On a personal note, the most striking characteristic of the book is the author’s use of funny wit and parody of existing ideas in providing a “guide to the galaxy.

” For example, if people find themselves floating in space, they should not listen to what other people are saying because it is a critical moment (Wynne-Jones 628). Additionally, they should not wave at anybody. Curiously, metaphysical reasoning is present in these advices. It is a well-known idea that during emergencies, people experience a surge of adrenalin that makes them do things that they otherwise cannot do. It then makes sense that the idea of flying is not extremely impossible. However, as Adams states in one of the sequels of his book, “This is a moment for superb and delicate concentration” (Yeates 81-2).

In chapter 17 of “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,” Adams narrates about planet Magrathea being closed for privacy. In this part, Adams absolutely presents readers with absurd ideas by presenting the world in a humorous way. For example, for visitors to Magrathea, a recording says: “..if you would care to leave your name and the address of a planet where you can be contacted, kindly speak when you hear the tone.” Then, for those visitors who bravely insist on going to Magrathea, the recorded message acquires a sharper edge “..meanwhile, we thank you our clients for their kind interest and would ask them to leave. Now.” Then, for those who press on: “It is most gratifying that your enthusiasm for our planet continues unabated, and so we would like to assure you that the guided missiles currently converging with your ship are part of a special service we extend to all of our most enthusiastic clients, and the fully armed nuclear warheads are of course merely a courtesy detail.

” (Wynne-Jones 632-3) As stated above, Adams’ style is one of satire --- funny satire, at that --- and these excerpts are just some of the examples. It is noticeable how the author effectively utilizes word play, using polite words even at the point of what can be considered issuing death threats. The book, in general, uses this tone and this style with words, giving readers what they do not expect, but allowing areas for reason so the style will not be totally impossible, or at least, unacceptable (Wynne-Jones 634).

Works Cited Adams, Douglas. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. New York: Harmony Books, 1980. Print. Wynne-Jones, T. "The Unravelling of Dna: Douglas Noel Adams, 1952-2001." The Horn Book Magazine. 77 (2001): 628-635. Print. Yeates, J. "Life, the Universe and Everything." Journal of Small Animal Practice. 51.2 (2010): 81-82. Print.