Abstract:
This studies the philosophical notion of humanism in Terre des hommes and La condition humaine. Existentialist theory and humanist theory were cited as theoretical bases for the analysis of the two novels. We sought to understand Malraux's and Saint-Exupéry's perception of humanism and its literary implications. Using the comparative and textual analysis methods, we found that in Saint Exupéry's Terre des hommes, humanism is approached through profound meditation on the meaning of existence and the need for man to engage in useful and life-saving actions. Saint-Exupéry maintains that human beings are capable of transcending their human condition and finding meaning in their misfortunes, by placing themselves at the service of others. In La condition humaine, André Malraux presented humanism as a quest for meaning and human values in a world in crisis. His work features far-sighted characters fighting for ideals such as freedom and justice. In both works, humanism is presented as a response to the breakdown in meaning to life of modern man and an affirmation of his dignity and freedom through action and fraternity. Malraux, however, is more radical in his pursuit of the meaning of life and proposes revolt as a means of liberation for all subjugated and traumatized people.
Description:
A Thesis in the Department of French Education,
Faculty of foreign languages and communication,
Submitted to the school of graduate studies,
In partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the degree
Master of philosophy
(French language)
In the University of Education, Winneba
