Reading Julian Barnes’ Novel, Elizabeth Finch: Her Provocative Lecture on Sublunary Existence – Doubts Upon the Grand Narrative

Abstract

This essay explores Elizabeth Finch’s role in Julian Barnes’ novel Elizabeth Finch, focusing on the critique of grand narratives and addressing societal prejudices. Finch’s critique of monoism, Eurocentrism, and the closed European mindset is examined. This article covers Finch’s reading of the history of Julian the Apostate, who resists monolithic culture under his reign as a means of Finch’s criticism of monoism and the closing of the European mind. The essay incorporates key thinkers like Isaiah Berlin, Immanuel Kant, and Jean-François Lyotard, emphasizing challenges in introducing novel ideas. Kant’s metaphor of the “crooked timber of humanity” illustrates the challenge posed by entrenched grand narratives. The study suggests that shifts in societal paradigms are delayed by exclusive monoculture. Finch’s enduring contribution lies in her critique of monoculture, despite resistance. This essay concludes by highlighting the need of critically analysing grand narratives, the relevance of preventing their misuse, and the influence of monoculture critique.