The Nature of Human Reality in Paul Auster’s The Brooklyn Follies in Light of Sartre’s “For-Itself-For-Others”

Abstract

The existential aspect of the social nature of human reality, defined as “for-itself-for-others” in Sartre’s philosophy, determines humankind in terms of communal contributions for the establishment of an ideal society of interpersonal relations and collaborations. Such community requires one’s selfhood shaped in accordance with the well-being of others, best manifested in the Sartrean concept of “for-itself- for-others”. In Auster’s The Brooklyn Follies, in existential terms, Nathan Glass, the protagonist, leads an authentic life both on personal and social levels towards Sartre’s principle. In this light, Nathan represents the human potency to organize the chaotic network of interpersonal associations when an individual is conscious of human freedom of choice and social responsibilities and tries to help others acquire the same level of awareness. As such, he is a portrait of the concept of “for-itself-for-others” in managing the network of his relationships with other community members. This paper, highlighting Nathan’s role as the architect of Auster’s urban utopia, shows how the Sartrean concept above can realistically manifest itself within a chaotic society on the edge of collapse around the turn of the century in the USA.  

Keywords: Auster, Existentialism, Sartre, The Brooklyn Follies.

Highlights:

1- Existential Authenticity: Auster’s protagonist exemplifies Sartre’s notion of the “for-itself-for-others,” attaining authenticity through reflexive awareness and ethical engagement.

2- Communal Dimension: Individual freedom is portrayed as a force that enhances collective and moral well-being.

3- Interpersonal Reality: Authentic existence is realized through relational connectedness rather than isolation.

4- Memory and Legacy: The act of commemorating forgotten lives underscores the persistence of human meaning beyond mortality.

5- Resilient Freedom: In confronting crises such as 9/11, the protagonist maintains hope and agency, reflecting Sartrean possibilities of transcendence.