A Confederacy of Dunces Book Summary

A Novel

by John Kennedy Toole114

TL;DR

A Confederacy of Dunces is a satirical novel chronicling the misadventures of Ignatius J. Reilly in 1960s New Orleans, blending humor with social critique.

What is A Confederacy of Dunces about

A Confederacy of Dunces, authored by John Kennedy Toole, is a satirical novel set in 1960s New Orleans. The story follows the eccentric, over-educated yet under-achieving Ignatius J. Reilly as he navigates the absurdities and challenges of life. This episodic tale weaves through his various misadventures, involving a colorful cast of characters, as Ignatius attempts to find purpose, employment, and possibly even love. The book stands out for its sharp wit, rich characterizations, and its critique of societal norms.

A Confederacy of Dunces 6 Key Takeaways

Introduction of Ignatius J. Reilly

Ignatius J. Reilly, an overweight and lazy medievalist, lives with his mother in New Orleans. He is characterized by his disdain for modern society, which he deems inferior.

Accidental Arrest and Job Hunt

After an altercation with a police officer, Ignatius is compelled by his mother to find a job. His job hunt leads him through various comic misadventures.

Employment at Levy Pants

Ignatius takes a job at Levy Pants, where his incompetence and arrogance result in a chaotic workers' revolt and subsequent firing.

Hot Dog Cart Fiasco

Ignatius becomes a hot dog vendor, which leads to further humorous exploits as he clashes with customers and authorities.

Conflict with Dorian Greene

Ignatius attempts to reform Dorian Greene’s party lifestyle but ends up embroiled in a series of farcical events that escalate the absurdity of his situation.

Denouement and Resolution

Ignatius’s various misadventures culminate in a series of events that nearly lead to his institutionalization, but he is ultimately saved by the intervention of Myrna Minkoff, his on-again, off-again girlfriend.

Top A Confederacy of Dunces Quotes

  • 'When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are all in confederacy against him.'
  • 'I am at the moment writing a lengthy indictment against our century. When my brain begins to reel from my literary labors, I make an occasional cheese dip.'

Who should read A Confederacy of Dunces?

This book is perfect for readers who enjoy satirical literature, dark humor, and rich character studies. Fans of social critique and those interested in the cultural backdrop of 1960s New Orleans will find this novel particularly engaging and thought-provoking.

About the Author

John Kennedy Toole was an American novelist best known for his posthumously published novel A Confederacy of Dunces, which won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1981. Toole's literary career was marked by a blend of sharp wit and deep social commentary, solidifying his place as a significant voice in modern American literature. Unfortunately, Toole struggled with mental health issues and tragically committed suicide in 1969, never seeing the success of his work.

A Confederacy of Dunces Best Reviews

  • 'A brilliant and evocative novel that captures the essence of New Orleans in the 1960s with humor and poignancy.' - The New York Times
  • 'A masterclass in satire, John Kennedy Toole's A Confederacy of Dunces is as hilarious as it is insightful.' - The Guardian

A Confederacy of Dunces FAQs

Is Confederacy of Dunces worth reading?

A Confederacy of Dunces is certainly a worthwhile read, blending comedy with social critique. It’s recommended for those who appreciate satirical humor.

What is the Confederacy of Dunces about?

The novel explores the misadventures of Ignatius J. Reilly, an eccentric man in 1960s New Orleans, as he searches for purpose, employment, and possibly love.

How long does it take to read A Confederacy of Dunces?

The average reader will spend about 6 hours and 45 minutes reading the book at 250 words per minute.