Acta Universitatis Danubius. Relationes Internationales, Vol 9, No 2 (2016)

Abstract

André Gide, a writer of the twentieth century, has his way of interpreting the problems of his generation. He differs from other writers because he does not like imitation. In his novel, Strait Is the Gate, Gide criticizes the exaggeration on the path of virtue. By renouncing life, Alissa not only spoils her life but also spoils the lives of those who love her. The narrative seems to be on the surface but we must go down into the depths to clarify things. As it is said, the medallion has two faces. Even if Alissa appears to abandon herself on the path of God, there are implicit reasons which push her towards despair. In reality, Alissa remains impotent before her sentimental failure and finds no outlet to get by. So she renounces life because she can no longer stand this painful situation. Death seems to have a solution to escape from it. This is the case of many young people who live in the same difficult period. Their weakness ends up annihilating them because they lose their hope.