How does the author use sarcasm in the book, W. E. B. Du Bois, 1868-1919: Biography of a Race?

Lewis relies upon oblique sarcasm to entertain his readers. Oblique means "sideways" and "sarcasm" refers to saying something with another more negative second meaning to it. Often Lewis will come from the side to criticize a thing or person indirectly and cleverly. This is a smart way to get his opinion across without sounding like he is preaching and without distracting too much from the main story. One either understands the sarcasm, or one doesn't.

Lewis enjoys using as many different words for things and ideas as he can. He likes to hone in on exact shades of meanings by using the most precise word he can think of, even if that word is difficult or unfamiliar to many readers. At other times Lewis seems simply to get bored with plain old words and uses a synonym to amuse himself. For example, instead of saying "dancing" he says "terpsichore." For this reason, reading this book is a challenge, a nuisance and an education.