Hedonism and the Hobbesian: the dichotomy of the creator in a European literary State of Nature

Exploring the tension within the European novel, the essay examines the creator's struggle between the aspiration for immortality through their work and a hedonistic rejection of societal norms stemming from an inability or unwillingness to attain that immortality. It delves into the complexities of literary creation and the motivations that drive authors to either leave a lasting legacy or indulge in transient pleasures, highlighting the philosophical and existential dilemmas inherent in the writing process.