Perspectives

Literary perspective 

The short story “The Rejection” by Woody Allen fits the genre of literature called satire. Allen’s story has several characteristics that fit this genre, such as using humor, exaggeration, and ridicule to comment on society, in this case on New York’s upper class. For example, Siminov’s story about a young man who ends up a criminal after he is rejected by a famous nursery is an exaggeration meant to show wealthy people’s lack of awareness about the real difficulties of accessing education and living in poverty. The significance of playing with toys properly is also exaggerated, creating humor and providing a satirical view on the upper-class and the excessive importance they give to such matters. The exaggerated and humorous details provided about the country house, such as having an easement running through the neighbors’ kitchen table, represent a satirical c...