Question

Discuss the floating opera as a nihilistic comedy

Answer 1

Nihilism is the belief that life has no intrinsic meaning or value. A Nihilist believes that values and beliefs are meaningless and life has no purpose.

Floating Opera as a comedy

Nothing in life has a fixed meaning until that which is given to it.

John Barth's character Todd Andrew decided to commit suicide despite being the best lawyer in Maryland. In all his life, Andrew knew only 5 emotions: mirth, fear, frustration, surprise and despair. He conceived the notion of murder due to his philosophy.

Andrew who wanted to commit suicide had a rethink, this itself means he gave a meaning to life which is in contrary to his belief. The ability of the author to treat a subject like suicide in such an absurd situation gives it a comic effect albeit slightly.