Author: Paul, Ronald

Source: Sartre Studies International, Volume 18, Number 1, Spring 2012 , pp. 66-85(20)

Publisher: Berghahn Journals

Abstract:

This article brings together the Sartrean concept of bad faith and Edward Upward's novel, Journey to the Border, first published in 1938. The aim is to provide an overtly political reading that challenges the surreal obscurity of Upward's psychological narrative, while at the same time showing the continuing relevance of Sartre's understanding of the psychological tensions and existential dilemmas of the modern condition. Upward's novel has been the focus of much critical debate as to the meaning of the story - the descent of the main character towards madness in the context of the 1930s threat of fascism and war - as well as the generic characterisation of the text in terms of satire, fable, fantasy or political parable. The article argues in contrast a more unequivocally ideological reading of the series of existential choices, both personal and political, of the main character as a struggle for individual freedom and authenticity through a radical commitment to socialism and responsibility for the Other.

Keywords: BAD FAITH; EDWARD UPWARD; JOURNEY TO THE BORDER; MADNESS; POLITICAL COMMITMENT; SOCIALISM

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3167/ssi.2012.180105

Publication date: 2012-03-01

More about this publication?

• Published in association with the UK Sartre Society Studies and the North American Sartre Society
  
  Sartre Studies International publishes articles of a multidisciplinary, cross-cultural and international character reflecting the full range and complexity of Sartre's own work. It focuses on the philosophical, literary and political issues originating in existentialism, and explores the continuing vitality of existentialist and Sartrean ideas in contemporary society and contemporary culture. Each issue contains a reviews section and a notice board of current events, such as conferences, publications and media broadcasts linked to Sartre's life, work and intellectual legacy.
• Editorial Board
• Information for Authors
• Submit a Paper
• Subscribe to this Title
• Membership Information
• Information for Advertisers
• Terms & Conditions
• Aims and Scope
• Recommend to your Library
• Sample Copy Request
• ingentaconnect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Literature ,  Philosophy
• By this author: Paul, Ronald

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers