if there is any 20th century literature to study that might be more optimistic?
Than this book you mean? I know it's sad, but I think that's what real lit is about, the real nitty gritty we don't see in our lives
if you want great literature that is funny as hell, read anything by Tom Stoppard. Check out "Arcadia" or....
"Rosencrantz and Gildenstern are Dead". No text has made me laugh harder.
Rosencrantz and Gildenstern is hilarious- I'd recommend reading Hamlet first though.