Navigating a Cruel World: Isolation and Despair in The Road and The Stranger | ||||
| CDELT Occasional Papers in the Development of English Education | ||||
| Article 12, Volume 82, Issue 1, April 2023, Page 369-390 PDF (1.02 MB) | ||||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||||
| DOI: 10.21608/opde.2023.313633 | ||||
 View on SCiNiTO | ||||
| Author | ||||
| Samar Sayed Mohamed | ||||
| Faculty of Alsun, Ain Shams University Faculty of Humanities, Al-Azhar University Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport The International Institute for Languages and Translation | ||||
| Abstract | ||||
| by Cormac McCarthy and The Stranger by Albert Camus , to explore the themes of isolation and despair in the context of existentialism . The study draws from Jean - Paul Sartre ' s philosophy of existentialism , which emphasizes individual freedom , responsibility , authenticity , and the concept of nothingness . The analysis finds that both literary works reflect the human experience of isolation and despair , highlighting how individuals may experience these emotions in response to external factors such as societal norms , personal relationships , itionsand environmental cond . The study suggests that these themes play a significant role in shaping the plot , character development , and overall message of the texts . It provides insights into the challenges individuals face in navigating a e importance of individual freedom harsh and unforgiving world and thand creativity in creating meaning . Both The Stranger by Camus and The Road by McCarthy explore the themes of isolation and despair in a cruel world. In The Stranger, the protagonist, Meursault, is a detached and indifferent man who lives his life without any sense of purpose or meaning. He becomes involved in a series of events that ultimately lead to his trial and conviction for murder. Throughout the novel, Meursault is isolated from society due to his lack of emotional connection and his refusal to conform to societal norms. His detachment from the world around him ultimately leads to his downfall. In The Road, a father and son navigate a post-apocalyptic world where society has collapsed, and resources are scarce. They are constantly on the move, trying to survive in a world where danger and despair lurk around every corner. The father is determined to protect his son at all costs, but he also struggles to maintain his sense of humanity in a world that has become increasingly cruel and barbaric. Both novels explore the human condition in a world that can be harsh and unforgiving. They show how individuals can become disconnected from society and struggle to find meaning and purpose in a world that seems to have lost Navigating a Cruel World: Isolation and Despair in The Road and The Stranger (370) Occasional Papers Vol. 82: April (2023) ISSN 1110-2721 its way. Despite the bleakness of these stories, they also offer glimpses of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. literature can have a significant impact on how people cope with feelings of isolation and despair. Literature has the power to provide readers with a sense of connection and empathy, allowing them to relate to characters and situations that may be different from their own experiences. This can help readers feel less alone and more understood, which can be particularly valuable for those struggling with isolation and despair. Moreover, literature can provide readers with new perspectives and ways of thinking about their own experiences. In conclusion, literature can be a powerful tool for coping with feelings of isolation and despair, providing readers with empathy, new perspectives, and a sense of hope and resilience. | ||||
| Keywords | ||||
| Isolation; Despair; Existentialism; Modern Society; Human Condition; Cormac McCarthy | ||||
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