Absurdity of the human condition in the Novels by Albert Camus and Samuel Beckett

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2005

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Zileli, Bilge Nihal

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This study carries out both a technical and a thematic analysis of the novels by Albert Camus, L̕Etranger, La Peste, and La Chute, and Samuel Beckett, Molloy, Malone Dies, and The Unnamable. In the technical analysis of the novels, the study explores the differences in characterization and narrative technique. It argues that the differences in these two issues mainly emerge from the difference in the two authors̕ views of art. In the thematic analysis, on the other hand, the study focuses on the recurring themes in the two authors̕ novels. It argues that Camus and Beckett explore similar themes in their novels because both writers belong to the absurd tradition. In other words, although their notions of art are different, their views of the human condition are quite similar, which is reflected in the common themes they explore in their novels.

Subject Keywords

English literature.

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http://etd.lib.metu.edu.tr/upload/12606750/index.pdf
https://hdl.handle.net/11511/15776

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Graduate School of Social Sciences, Thesis

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Citation Formats

B. N. Zileli, “Absurdity of the human condition in the Novels by Albert Camus and Samuel Beckett,” Ph.D. - Doctoral Program, Middle East Technical University, 2005.