ABSTRACT

This essay examines the use of absurdist techniques as cathartic process in pedagogical environments, primarily contextualized by Richard Brautigan’s novel, Sombrero Fallout (1976). The essay will analyse Brautigan’s writing style with focus on juxtaposition, Dadaist concerns, and stream of consciousness effects on literary freedom. Dadaism, as a sub-category of absurdism, employs various literary techniques, such as the cut-up method, stream of consciousness, and syllabic malleability and I present these techniques as viable for modern-day pedagogic use. It will analyse how utilization of these techniques can benefit Creative Writing students, with particular focus on autobiographical events as inspiration for creative output. The essay discusses authorial history to suggest absurdist writing techniques can function as a method for students, acting as a conduit to cathartic introspection in practice and in reasoning complex thoughts and feelings.

KEYWORDS

Absurd, absurdism in pedagogy, autobiographical writing, cathartic writing, Dada, Dadaism, literary freedom, pedagogical learning, Richard Brautigan, Sombrero Fallout