Na konci cesty – Barth John (2020)

The book At the End of the Road (1958) is often classified within the work of American writer John Barth as belonging to the 'existentialist phase,' which preceded the author's radical shift towards heightened postmodern techniques. The main character of the novella, Jacob Horner, escapes his indecision and nihilism on the advice of a doctor by donning masks at certain moments in his life: Before the school board, he behaves like an idealistic and dedicated teacher, at other times he plays the irresponsible young man, or unknowingly imitates his rational colleague Joe Morgan. However, playing roles is not without danger - the inevitable consequence is becoming entangled in interpersonal relationships, and the detached and cynical Jacob suddenly finds himself in a complicated love triangle. He becomes swept away by the role he is playing and loses awareness of his own self, which subsequently directs the story towards a tragic end. At the core of this irony-laden narrative lies the apparent impossibility of making the right decisions in a world that lacks absolute values.