George Orwell: And the Problem of Authentic Existence (Routledge Revivals)

Synopsis

First Published in 1985, the aim of this book is to define an aspect of Orwell’s literary identity which underlies and informs the sociopolitical content of his novels, and which may account for his being ‘more widely read’ than perhaps any other serious writer in the twentieth century.It is the author’s contention that the thematic source of the Orwell novel is the problem of authentic existence, and that Orwell’s particular sociopolitical concerns were expressions of this problem. In chapter one selections of Orwell’s autobiographical writings are assessed, for in these the existential conflict between authentic and inauthentic modes of existence is traceable from childhood onwards. Orwell, it is argued, developed an inauthentic self -for- other in response to authoritarian oppressions, and he consequently pursued a double life characterized by the contradictions of ‘doublethink’. Chapter two is an account of existential authenticity, and provides both the terms and perspectives subsequently applied in the separate chapters in which each of Orwell’s five novels are analyzed. In every case, J. P. Sartre’s ‘bad faith’, Martin Heidegger’s ‘mine’ and ‘they’ and Martin Buber’s ‘I’, ‘Thou’ and ‘It’, are seen to be crucial explanatory notions within the Orwell novel. In his conclusion, therefore, Dr Carter redefines Orwell as an existential sociopolitical writer. This is a must read for students of literature, critical theory, existential philosophy, philosophy in general

Copyright:

1985

Book Details

Book Quality:

Publisher Quality

ISBN-13:

9781040229880

Related ISBNs:

9781040229798, 9781003545927, 9781032900407

Publisher:

Taylor & Francis

Date of Addition:

11/01/24

Copyrighted By:

Michael Carter

Adult content:

No

Language:

English

Has Image Descriptions:

No

Categories:

Nonfiction, Literature and Fiction, Philosophy

Submitted By:

Bookshare Staff

Usage Restrictions:

This is a copyrighted book.