Universal Guilt

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The Fall has received a range of reviews since its publication, but Jean-Paul Sartre commended it as the work that most effectively captures Camus's moral philosophy. The novel presents a layered confession. Through Jean-Baptiste Clamence's self-critique, it implicates everyone, offering what Germaine Bree calls "the triumphant annunciation of man's total depravation." Camus examines the shortcomings of an entire generation and the inherent guilt that spans humanity throughout history. People in the postwar era continued to struggle with the horrors of the early 1940s, and Holland is portrayed as a country weighed down by guilt over the Nazi genocide of the Jews. On the other hand, some critics see the theme of universal guilt as a sign of religious undertones.

Algerian Independence and Creative Stagnation

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Camus wrote The Fall during a time when he was grappling with the topic of Algerian independence. McCarthy proposes that the novel reflects Camus's creative stagnation and gloomy perspective as Algeria faced possible separation from France. The gloomy, fog-laden backdrop of Holland starkly contrasts with Algeria, representing an anti-Algeria. Camus's position in this dispute, which appears to contradict his previous support for freedom, is reflected in this somber satire.

Guilt and Self-Deception

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Jean-Baptiste Clamence, the eccentric main character of the novel, is tormented by guilt due to his unwillingness to take responsibility. One evening, he saw a woman on the Pont des Arts in need of assistance. When she jumped into the river, he chose to walk away instead of helping. At that moment, he heard a derisive laugh behind him. This event haunted him, prompting him to explore different ways to ease his guilt. Her plunge symbolized his own moral decline; he came to acknowledge the evil within himself. By accusing himself, he tries to get ahead of any accusations from others. However, his approach is ineffective, yet it highlights the self-deception that many people experience.

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