The Evolution of Satire in Modern Literature: Insights from Lee Stein and Julius Toronto

In a world where reality often seems stranger than fiction, how do satirists keep up? This question was at the heart of a recent interview with novelists Lee Stein and Julius Toronto, two young writers who are redefining satire for the 21st century.

The Role of the Novel in Modern Society

When asked about the social function of the novel, both authors offered insightful perspectives. Stein views the novel as a unique art form capable of delivering "a fully formed universe that can live in the reader's imagination." She contrasts this with film and television, noting that novels have a singular ability to transmit a writer's vision of the world directly into the reader's mind.

Toronto, on the other hand, sees novels as part of the "wisdom business." He believes that reading is an excellent technology for getting inside another mindset, allowing readers to temporarily think like the author. This transformative quality is what draws him to certain writers repeatedly.

Satire in the Digital Age

Both Stein and Toronto have made names for themselves with their satirical works. Stein's "Self-Care" takes aim at the wellness industry and "girl boss" feminism, while Toronto's "How to Win a Nobel Prize" satirizes cancel culture and academia.

Stein defines satire as "the comedy of beliefs," requiring a coherent belief system and characters who think they're acting virtuously but whose actions have immoral consequences. Toronto sees satire as a means of "puncturing pieties," taking broad, persuasive ideas to their logical (and often absurd) conclusions.

However, both authors acknowledge the challenge of writing satire in an era where reality often outpaces imagination. As Stein puts it, "Anything that gets a laugh immediately, I don't know how to satirize that because I don't know how to satirize clowns."

Research and Realism in Fiction

Despite writing fictional worlds, both authors emphasize the importance of research and attention to detail. Toronto notes that while imagination is crucial, it often runs out of material quickly without research to back it up. Stein shares an example from her own experience, where a real-life controversy at a feminist conference inspired a similar (but exaggerated) scene in "Self-Care."

The Literary Marketplace and Digital Platforms

Contrary to the notion that we're in a "post-literary" era, Stein argues that platforms like TikTok have actually revitalized reading culture. She cites statistics showing a significant increase in book sales attributed to TikTok, particularly among young women.

Stein herself has embraced digital platforms, maintaining a Substack newsletter and coaching other writers on how to navigate the online world. She sees the current era as both the best and most competitive time to be a writer, with the internet providing new pathways to success but also increasing competition.

Toronto, by contrast, takes a more reserved approach to online presence. He acknowledges the brutal nature of the internet for those who aren't "cool" and prefers to focus on his long-form writing.

The Future of Satire and Literature

Looking ahead, both authors have intriguing projects in the works. Toronto is working on a novel set during the Battle of Gettysburg, focusing on a real-life figure who became an unlikely hero. He sees this as an opportunity to explore a time of national crisis different from our own, where humor and humanity could still shine through.

Stein's upcoming book is a Gothic novel set in a TikTok "hype house," blending satire of millennial fears of aging with suspense elements. This innovative combination of genres showcases her ability to adapt traditional literary forms to contemporary settings.

Conclusion

The conversation with Stein and Toronto offers valuable insights into the state of satire and literature in our rapidly changing world. Despite the challenges posed by an increasingly absurd reality, these authors demonstrate that there's still ample room for sharp, insightful satire in modern fiction. Their work suggests that the novel remains a powerful tool for exploring and critiquing society, even as it adapts to new digital landscapes and evolving reader expectations.

As we move forward, it's clear that satire will continue to play a crucial role in literature, helping us make sense of our complex world through humor, insight, and imagination. Writers like Stein and Toronto are at the forefront of this evolution, pushing the boundaries of what satire can be in the 21st century.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FaNUVtyna4