The Fall

Summary

The protagonist of the novel «The Fall» is Jean-Baptiste Clamence, a former successful lawyer in Paris who now lives in Amsterdam and works as a «judge-penitent». Clamence shares his story with a random interlocutor in a bar. He confesses to his hypocrisy, selfishness, and moral decline. Clamence describes how his life changed after an incident where he failed to help a woman who jumped off a bridge. This event forced him to reevaluate his values and understand his true nature. The novel explores themes of guilt, responsibility, and self-judgment, showcasing a person's internal struggle with themselves.