The Statement that is Randolph Carter: Growth in a Nihilistic Universe

Sammanfattning: The purpose of this essay is to give a nuanced and problematized view of the notion that the literary universe of H.P. Lovecraft is purely nihilistic, in the most basic sense of the word, and instead try to show that it, in spite of this actually allows for both hope and growth for its characters. To do so, the essay will closely examine one of Lovecraft’s few recurring protagonists, Randolph Carter, who in relation to Lovecraft’s other characters, is much more on the outside of society than a part of it. To accomplish this, the essay will focus on those of Lovecraft’s texts which feature Carter and this one’s personal goals, philosophy and morals in relation to those of the society that surrounds him. Carter’s character and actions and ideals will throughout this be contrasted to the philosophical ideas of Friedrich Nietzsche to try to show that adherence to Nietzschean virtues can allow a character to actually transcend the supposed intrinsic nihilism and horror of Lovecraft’s universe. In examining Carter, central concepts will include, among other things: the search for beauty, the power of dreams as well as the power of passion, as well as Nietzschean concepts such as The Will to Power, Apollonian and Dionysian, The Eternal Return and Nihilism.