Group 1 - The evolution of literary styles leads some authors to abandon their novelistic identity, as seen in the cases of Saint-Exupéry and Malraux, who transitioned to prose that expresses ideas without fictional characters [1] - Sartre's shift from novels to philosophical essays and plays represents a third option, where he retains his identity as a novelist while creating works that serve educational purposes rather than personal needs [2][3] - The disdain for the novel as a literary form is echoed by contemporaries like Valéry and Cioran, who view it as a lesser genre, suggesting a long-standing tradition of underestimating the novel's significance [4] Group 2 - The distinction between thematic and non-thematic works is blurred, as seen in the works of Jouhandeau and Genet, where early novels do not explicitly state their ethical and aesthetic positions [5] - The protagonist in novels often symbolizes transcendental ideas, reflecting the author's own transcendence or the ideals they wish to convey to readers [6] - In communist novels, redemption is often depicted through a narrative that emphasizes the triumph of good over evil, reinforcing the readers' belief in a better society [7] Group 3 - Sartre's narrative choices reflect a fundamental sense of powerlessness, as he interrupts the journey of his protagonist, suggesting a lack of confidence in the novel form [8] - The contemporary novel often rejects moral complacency, with protagonists who do not transform their misfortunes into external victories, highlighting a world where happiness and truth are seen as illusions [9] - The metaphysical novel, as explored by authors like Blanchot, seeks to understand a "pure" existence, devoid of specific subjectivity or objectivity, leading to a narrative that lacks depth [10][13] Group 4 - The failure of both naturalism and metaphysical novels stems from a shared disdain for the novel as a genre, which has historically been viewed as inferior [15] - The blending of naturalistic and metaphysical techniques in contemporary literature reflects a struggle to connect subjective experiences with meaningful narratives [14] - The prediction that Proust's work may restore balance and depth to the novel genre suggests a potential shift in literary focus away from the extremes of naturalism and metaphysics [16]