Louis-Ferdinand Céline's nihilistic journey in 'Journey to the End of the Night'
Louis-Ferdinand Céline's 1932 novel 'Journey to the End of the Night' presents a nihilistic vision of human reality, exploring contradictions, pathological perversions, and cruelty through autobiographical characters. The author, born Louis Ferdinand Auguste Destouches in Courbevoie on May 27, 1894, and died in Meudon on July 1, 1961, influences writers like Henry Miller, Charles Bukowski, and Kurt Vonnegut. The novel's 'night' symbolizes human reality, and its end is another night—the abyss has no bottom. Céline's descent into interiority reveals an abyss within himself. The article, by Riccardo Coppola for MIfacciodiCultura, suggests readers may choose to embrace or reject this bleak view, proposing that the term of the night could be the day.
Key facts
- Louis-Ferdinand Céline's real name was Louis Ferdinand Auguste Destouches.
- He was born in Courbevoie on May 27, 1894, and died in Meudon on July 1, 1961.
- 'Journey to the End of the Night' was published in 1932.
- The novel influenced Henry Miller, Charles Bukowski, and Kurt Vonnegut.
- The novel is narrated in autobiographical form.
- Characters include General des Entrayes, Robinson, Lola, the Henrouilles, and Baryton.
- Settings include France during WWI, the Congo, America, and post-WWI France.
- The article was written by Riccardo Coppola for MIfacciodiCultura.
Entities
Artists
- Louis-Ferdinand Céline
- Henry Miller
- Charles Bukowski
- Kurt Vonnegut
- Friedrich Nietzsche
- Riccardo Coppola
Institutions
- MIfacciodiCultura
- Artspecialday
Locations
- Courbevoie
- France
- Meudon
- Congo
- America