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: protagonistens moraliska utveckling i Albert Camus' Fallet

Abstract

In this essay I analyse the moral progression of Jean-Baptiste Clamence, the protagonist in Albert Camus’ novel The Fall. I employ A.J. Greimas’ actantial model and his development of Vladimir Propp’s function analysis for my purposes. I also propose a combination of the theories into a new actantial-functional scheme through which I analyses Clamence’s moral progression.

Through the actantial-functional analysis it becomes clear how Clamence gradually deepens and grows rooted in his fall and guilt. Though seeking the moral innocence which he has lost he finally realises that it is gone forever and instead he submits to his fate and becomes judge-penitent – a false prophet indulging in self-deification. But the development of the conversation goes wrong. Instead of breaking the interlocutor down and forcing his confession Clamence meets his superior in the interlocutor, and I argue that Clamence fails in his aim, surrenders to the other and borders on madness.

The most intriguing result of the analysis is how the interlocutor must stand out as the true hero of the novel which calls for a new definition of the actants in the novel and for the need of a primary story. I suggest that the interlocutor may be seen as an incarnation of Christ but acknowledges the need of further research.