Perspectives

Literary perspectives

The short story “Son of Satan” by Charles Bukowski is an example of dirty realism. 

Dirty realism focuses on presenting short, vivid episodes in the everyday lives of individuals, using minimalistic, often coarse language. The protagonists are usually trapped in an unpleasant environment, bound either by their own limitations or by external circumstances, with no hope to escape the misery of their daily lives. In this particular story, the narrator's daily misery escalates into an extraordinary event – the hanging of a child – which in turn, might have serious consequences. 

The open ending and the lack of resolution, which can be found in the story, is another typical feature of dirty realism.

Works with the same theme 

The story “Kittens” by Dean Koontz also explores the effects of ...