Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2025
Abstract
Multiple scholars have presented various interpretations of the final part of Albert Camus’ “Jonas, Or the Artist at Work,” a short story in Exile and the Kingdom. The enigmatic scene depicts an almost blank canvas, on which Jonas had written a single word in very small characters, which could be deciphered as either solitaire (solitary) or solidaire (solidarity). In this paper, I interpret it as implying that Camus does not merely perceive the non-contradiction between solitariness and solidarity, but also considers their compatibility, particularly in the context of artistic rebellion. To justify this reading hyp othesis, I utilize Plotinian metaphysical concepts, w hich may be considered to have significantly influenced Camus’ view on art. Once established, its implications, especially in the case of how aesthetic experiences may transform those who engage with it, are elaborated. Thus, this paper contributes to the academic discourse in two ways: (1) construct a metaphysical foundation for Camus’ claim concerning the connection between artistic rebellion and human solidarity, and (2) provide an interpretation of “Jonas, Or the Artist at Work” which would show how such a work may be read as a philosophical progression with the claims in The Rebel.
Recommended Citation
Hernandez, C. J. D. (2025). Reading Camus’ “Jonas, Or the Artist at Work” through a Plotinian metaphysical lens. UNITAS, 98(2), 89–107. https://archium.ateneo.edu/
