Existential Problem in Saul Bellow's The Victim

Abstract

In The Victim Saul Bellow attempts to trace out existential problem of the protagonist As a Leventhal and other characters around him. Though he is alienated from family members and victimized in highly competitive and crowded bourgeoisie city, he is struggling for the dignity for mankind. As a has sacrificed himself in many causes for the sake of humanity. He saves himself from nihilism and leads his path towards existentialism. This novel is a beautiful allegory in which human life is conceived an endless struggle. Bellow presents the situation of existential problem of present capitalistic form of society where humanity and morality no more work. The protagonist of the novel is engaged in constant struggle against meaninglessness, nothingness, emptiness, failure, frustration, alienation, absurdity and so on so as to create meaning and purpose of his existence.