🧑🎓 About the Author:
George Mikes was a
Hungarian journalist who moved to Britain and wrote this book as a humorous
guide to understanding the quirks of British society—especially for foreigners.
📖 Plot/Structure Summary:
Rather than a traditional
narrative, How to Be an Alien is a collection of short, satirical essays
that describe British life from the perspective of an outsider. The
"alien" refers to a foreigner trying to fit into British society. The
book gently mocks British customs while offering real insight into national
character.
🗂️ Main Topics & Chapters:
Introduction:
The English and Foreigners
- The English don't consider themselves
foreigners anywhere.
- The word “foreigner” automatically means
“not English.”
Englishness
- Being English means being modest,
reserved, and emotionally restrained.
- Expressing strong emotions in public is
considered very un-English.
Weather
- The English obsession with the weather is
legendary.
- It is a universal topic and polite
conversation starter.
Tea
- Tea is treated almost like a national
symbol.
- The ritual and frequency of drinking tea
are lovingly mocked.
Queuing
(Standing in Line)
- A sacred British tradition.
- Even if there's no reason to queue, the
English may form one out of habit.
Sense of
Humour
- Dry, understated, and full of irony.
- Foreigners often misunderstand it.
Sex
- British people are extremely reserved when
talking about love or physical affection.
How Not to Be
Clever
- Don’t show off intelligence—it’s
considered bad manners.
💡 Themes:
- Cultural Identity & Assimilation
– A witty guide for immigrants trying to blend into British life.
- Satire of National Stereotypes
– Mikes laughs at both British behavior and the immigrant’s confusion.
- Politeness & Restraint
– Emphasizes how deeply politeness shapes British behavior.
📝 Legacy:
- The book has become a classic of
British humor.
- Frequently used in ESL classrooms for its
clear language and cultural insights.
- It was followed by sequels, like How to
Be Inimitable and How to Be Decadent.
0 Yorumlar