Themes

Although Ignatius finds little to praise and likes few people, although he is a disgusting creature who lives in squalor with his demented mother, although there are few if any positive statements within the book, the final effect is one of giddy celebration. Most of the absurd, silly characters enjoy themselves, including Ignatius, who goes out daily in search of new atrocities and relishes finding them. The world portrayed by this book is not a pretty one, but it is an irresistibly entertaining one. The main character's enjoyment of his own obscene lifestyle and inflated vocabulary, and the author's obvious love of his creations, combine to form an unexpectedly cheerful impression.

Race

A Confederacy of Dunces is peopled largely by white Cajuns, but racial matters arise in two contexts. First, Jones is hired to sweep floors in the Night of Joy bar for $20 a week, and spends much...