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The Interlocutor in La Chute: A Key to Its Meaning

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 December 2020

H. Allen Whartenby*
Affiliation:
University of South Florida, Tampa

Abstract

Close examination of the interlocutor's reflected reactions provides a method for a reading of La Chute which is more consistent with Camus's basic outlook. As he takes part in sporadic although important exchanges with Clamence, the interlocutor is first led generally to see resemblances to the generous lawyer. Later, however, he displays increasingly unfavorable reactions until he finally laughs aloud when Clamence states that he will listen fraternally to the other's confession. By creating an interlocutor who rejects the speaker's views and purposes, Camus affords the reader the pleasure of ridiculing Clamence and of reasserting his own interpretation of life rather than being intimidated into accepting Clamence's degrading portrait as characteristic of modern man.

Information

Type
Research Article
Information
PMLA , Volume 83 , Issue 5 , October 1968 , pp. 1326 - 1333
Copyright
Copyright © Modern Language Association of America, 1968

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