Literary devices:sideways stories from wayside school

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Absurdism

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SubjectAbsurdism

Absurdism is a literary concept where authors employ illogical, surreal, or impossible events to generate humor and expose deeper insights about existence or societal norms. An illustrative example can be found in the book 'Sideways Stories from Wayside School,' where the structure of a school is described as having thirty stories with only one classroom on each floor. This setup defies practical logic, signaling to readers that the narrative operates outside the boundaries of reality. By presenting such absurd scenarios—like students transforming into apples and teachers acting irrationally—the author humorously critiques school life and amplifies common classroom issues. The concept encourages readers to identify moments in literature that seem exaggerated or surreal yet carry significant meaning.