Absurdism in Paul Bowles’s Let it Come down (1952)

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Date

2020-09

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Université Mouloud Mammeri Tizi Ouzou

Abstract

This research aims to study the issue of ‘absurdism’ in Paul Bowles’s Let it Come down (1952) by making reference to Albert Camus’s theoretical concepts on the absurd and revolt, included in “The Myth of Sisyphus” (1955) and “The Rebel” (1956). The main objective of this dissertation is to expose the struggle of the modern man against his absurdist existence. First, we have dealt with the conceptions of ‘meaninglessness’ and ‘purposelessness’ as the main absurdist features that are represented within the novel. We have also discussed the concept of ‘alienation’ as an outcome of absurdism. Second, we have explored the way the protagonist of the novel embraces the absurd, focusing mainly on the notions of ‘rebellion’ and ‘freedom’. As a major result, this study reveals that absurdity still has a significant impact on the contemporary man. For this reason, both the central and the secondary characters of the narrative fail at grasping any meaning in their lives.

Description

30cm ; 56p.

Keywords

absurd, meaninglessness, purposelessness, alienation, rebellion, freedom.

Citation

Literature and Interdisciplinary Approaches