Phraseological Deautomatization as a Humorous Strategy: La vida exagerada de Martín Romaña, by Alfredo Bryce Echenique

Abstract

This article presents some qualitative considerations on the use of phraseology in Alfredo Bryce Echenique’s narrative for humorous effect. Phraseology is characterized by its idiomatic content and its adherence to the norm, meaning that its modification can generate a stylistic effect of surprise due to the mental effort required to recover the literal meaning of its components. Analysis of the novel reveals that his novel: La vida exagerada de Martín Romaña (1981) shows a conscious and systematic use of phraseological de-automatization to achieve a surprising and amusing effect, through various mechanisms
of modification, allusion, and saturation of phraseological units, a technique also common in other discursive contexts such as sports broadcasts and advertising. In this way, Bryce Echenique’s narrative links to the best tradition of Literature in Spanish Language.