The use of dark humour in Evelyn Waugh's The Sword of Honour trilogy

Humour is a significant component of human expression, playing an essential role in various dimensions of human experience. It has the connective power and offers a distinctive lens through which societal norms and perspectives can be evaluated. Studies in this field have explored these functions, delving into the underlying mechanics and the effects of comedic elements on individuals and societies, particularly through the lenses of incongruity, superiority, and release theories. Within this context, dark humour emerges as a potent tool for addressing taboo subjects, confronting existential anxieties, and reflecting on life's absurdities. This thesis investigates the use of dark comedy in Evelyn Waugh's Sword of Honour trilogy—Men at Arms (1952, Silah Arkadaşları), Officers and Gentlemen (1955, Subaylar ve Beyefendiler), and Unconditional Surrender (1961, Koşulsuz Teslimiyet)—by examining how Waugh employs satiric, ironic, grotesque, absurd, and parodic modes to critique the absurdities and tragedies inherent in wartime experiences. The analysis is grounded in theoretical frameworks that help elucidate how these comedic elements function within the narrative. Through a detailed examination of key scenes and character interactions, the thesis demonstrates how Waugh's dark humour serves as a critical lens through which he scrutinises the futility of human endeavours during war. Thus, this study argues that Waugh's deployment of dark comedy is a powerful device for exposing the inherent absurdity and futility of the human condition during wartime, revealing the underlying truths beneath the heroic narratives surrounding military systems, structures, and traditions.