Transformations of Self and Identity in Martin Pegg's

Shihab, Dalya Hameed

doi:10.25130/Lang.9.2.P2.4

	Transformations of Self and Identity in Martin Pegg's "How I Became a Dummy": A Critical Study
Journal of Language Studies
Volume 9, Issue 2, Part 2, July 2025, Pages 69-83 PDF (475.15 K)
Document Type: Original Article
DOI: 10.25130/Lang.9.2.P2.4
Author
Dalya Hameed Shihab
Tikrit University
Abstract
The novel is no longer merely a means of entertainment or casual storytelling; it has become a window for exploring complex existential and human issues. How I Became Stupid, a novel by French writer Martin Page, serves as an example of a literary work that combines both satire and philosophy. It addresses the psychological and emotional transformations of Antoine, a young intelligent man who seeks to free himself from the burden of thinking by attempting to embrace stupidity as a path to a simpler and happier life. This study aims to analyze the transformations that Antoine undergoes, both psychologically and socially, and their connection to the broader context reflected in the text. Additionally, the study examines the narrative techniques employed by the author to depict this transformation, relying on a critical approach that focuses on narrative structure and psychological analysis of the character.
Keywords
character transformations; Literary psychology; Philosophical novel; Psychoanalysis; Psychological conflict; Intelligence and stupidity; Social integration; Social criticism; Consumer society; Dark satire; Narrative techniques; Contemporary French novel; Martin Page; Existential crisis; Problematic protagonist

Statistics Article View: 64 PDF Download: 32

Transformations of Self and Identity in Martin Pegg's "How I Became a Dummy": A Critical Study