Individualism: The Collapse of Paradox in Gide

Abstract

<p>It is contended that individualism is a more basic theme with which to characterize the world view revealed in André Gide's life and art than paradox, contradiction, or any other concept denoting the struggle of opposing forces within one person. An examination of a variety of Gide's works shows that many of the writer's so-called antinomies lose their complex and vital appearance when regarded through the dimension of individualism. There is indeed a Gidian tension, but it stems from his stance against society, organized or patterned behavior and tradition, for all of these are interpreted as challenges or burdens to the individual and never as the avenue to self-realization.</p>