Goodreads Choice Awards 2025
Bob Berry asked this question about A Confederacy of Dunces:
Do you think that Toole "pulls off" a the major black character without cartoonish stereotyping ?
Paulina Pinsky I think that if the major black character were the only one being treated with cartoonish stereotyping, then I would pipe up. But everyone, and I mean…moreI think that if the major black character were the only one being treated with cartoonish stereotyping, then I would pipe up. But everyone, and I mean EVERYONE is treated as a cartoonish stereotype. And since everyone is treated in this way, it doesn't stick out like a sore thumb.

I'd say that it's hard to take any of the characters seriously. They're all deeply unlikeable or border-line unbearable. They monologue at the drop of a hat, and those who don't monologue are downright pitiful. There's a fine line between caricature and downright exploitation. I don't feel as though Jones's characterization landed in the exploitation category. Even though Jones can't stop saying "Ooo-wee" and "whoa", it warrants saying that he's one of the only ones that speaks the truth. (less)
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A Confederacy of Dunces
by John Kennedy Toole
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