Litteraturens mirakel. Litteraturteori i tre verk av Simone de Beauvoir.

Abstract

Abstract: This essay examines which role literature plays for society and the individual in three texts by Simone de Beauvoir. It does so by undertaking an idea analytic study of Simone de Beauvoirs novel Les Mandarins and two of her philosophical essays: Littérature et métaphysique and Mon experience d’écrivain. The essay is looking for what ideas these texts express about the ideal and purpose of literature. The examination shows that an ideal literature has the capacity to bewitch the reader, and therefore allow him/her to see the world from another person’s position. The ideal literary work contains philosophical or political ideas, but these must be undetermined and part of the intrigue. Literature’s purpose exists on both an individual and societal level. Literature is first of all joyful. Above that, it allows the author to show his/her life’s meaning. It also allows him/her to show how he/she sees the world in all its ambiguities. It is the only medium capable of showing the subjective and ambiguous aspects of reality. Literature is capable of saving the truth of the moment and of the individual; in that way it also creates meaning to the individual. Furthermore, literature may also serve an explicit political purpose.