Unveiling The Satirical Allegory: George Saunders’ The Brief And Frightening Reign Of Phil

Abstract

The Brief and Frightening Reign of Phil by George Saunders is the subject of this research paper. The novella, which was released in 2005, is an allegory of modern America and its conflict with Iraq. Saunders spent six years, from 1999 to 2005 working on this novella. Critics have drawn comparisons between this work and Animal Farm by George Orwell in terms of topic and absurdity. Even Saunders is linked to Samuel Beckett’s vision and the light-heartedness of Monty Python. It’s a satirical take on rich nations like America and their nature of infringement on immigrant rights. Saunders says the character of Phil is a reference to Osama bin Laden, but the critics consider the speech of Phil to be a reference to Bush’s rhetoric. The sinister eye with which America looks at the other or Orient nations causes violence and hysteria that results in the abhorrence of the immigrants. Saunders stands for the victims in questioning the narcissistic tendencies of capitalistic countries that demean the orient.