Literary techniques & impact on reader

Satire: Lucian creates an entirely fantastical world that parodies traditional mythological texts, making the story a clear work of satire. This not only adds comedy but also delivers biting social commentary.
Hyperbole: Lucian uses gross exaggeration to create vivid and explicit imagery. This makes the narrative more engaging and often humorous, e.g., being swallowed by a 200-mile-long whale.
Detachment: As the narrator, Lucian maintains a detached and rational perspective, providing a critical point of view of the events, regardless of their absurdity.
Parody: The text is filled with parody, which is a humorous or satirical imitation of a serious piece of literature or writing. Lucian’s use of parody serves to belittle the works he considers nonsensical and pretentious.

Empathy: The reader may feel empathy towards Lucian and his companions for the misfortunes and strange occurrences they bear.
Humour: The text entertains the reader with humour and wit, largely through its absurd scenarios and parodies of well-known Greek myths and legends.
Thought-provoking: Lucian’s skepticism about authors and stories he parodies causes readers to question the authenticity of classical texts, encouraging critical thinking.
Vivid Imagery: Through his exaggerated, hyperbolic descriptions and vivid imagery, Lucian captivates readers, offers them an exciting, fanciful visual experience, and brings his fantastical world to life.
Appreciation for Greek culture: The reader gets to appreciate ancient Greek culture and society despite the satirical tone of Lucian’s account, understanding the customs, beliefs, and perspectives prevalent in that era.