The Wall

Jean-Paul Sartre

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'The Wall' by Jean-Paul Sartre is a collection of short stories that delve into existential themes and human experiences. The title story, 'The Wall', portrays the thoughts of men facing imminent execution during the Spanish Civil War, while other stories explore topics such as intimacy, identity, and the complexities of human relationships. Sartre's writing style is described as bitingly visceral, with a focus on existentialism, anti-bourgeois sentiments, and sexually decadent portrayals of characters in Paris.

Sartre's stories are known for their depth and complexity, challenging readers to engage emotionally and thoughtfully with the characters and themes presented. The narratives are described as demanding in terms of engagement but ultimately rewarding for readers who are open to exploring existential questions and delving into the psyche of the characters. offers a mix of dark, introspective storytelling that prompts readers to think deeply about life, relationships, and the human condition.

Characters:

Characters exhibit depth, facing their impending deaths with a range of emotions from despair to existential reflection.

Writing/Prose:

The style is characterized by its stark, hard-boiled prose that effectively conveys the bleakness of the characters' situations.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative revolves around men facing execution, exploring their thoughts and feelings as they confront mortality in a stark, oppressive setting.

Setting:

The setting is bleak and claustrophobic, reinforcing the themes of existential dread and alienation.

Pacing:

The pacing is deliberate, allowing for deep psychological exploration of the characters facing death.

Notes:

The Wall is a collection of short stories by Jean-Paul Sartre, published in 1939.

The title story, The Wall, is set during the Spanish Civil War.

The story is written in a first-person perspective, creating a personal and immediate experience.

Pablo Ibbieta, the narrator, is imprisoned and awaiting execution, alongside two other men, Tom and Juan.

The setting is described as a cold, dank cellar, emphasizing themes of despair and absurdity.

Sartre's writing in this story evokes the stark visuals of 1940s black-and-white films.

The story explores existential themes, particularly the meaninglessness of life and the reality of death.

The characters each confront their impending deaths in different ways, highlighting their psychological struggles.

Pablo reflects on his past life, realizing he lived as if he were immortal, despite the approaching death.

Throughout the story, sensations like sweat and cold are used to enhance the physical and emotional experience of fear and despair.

Sartre's work often delves into themes of existential angst and the absurdity of life, which are evident in The Wall.

The collection has been described as compelling and thought-provoking, often leading readers to confront their own viewpoints on existence.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include discussions of death, execution, psychological distress, and themes of despair.

From The Publisher:

One of Sartre's greatest existentialist works of fiction, The Wall contains the only five short stories he ever wrote. Set during the Spanish Civil War, the title story crystallizes the famous philosopher's existentialism.

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The Wall?

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About the Author:

Jean-Paul Sartre was a prolific philosopher, novelist, public intellectual, biographer, playwright and founder of the journal Les Temps Modernes. Born in Paris in 1905 and died in 1980, Sartre was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1964-and turned it down. His books include Nausea, Intimacy, The Flies, No Exit, Sartre's War Diaries, Critique of Dialectical Reason, and the monumental treatise Being and Nothingness.

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