This paper is a study of the thematic aspects that make Clock
Without Hands different from Carson Mc Cullers' previous novels
and place it in the tradition of existentialist philosophy and
literature. In McCullers' last novel the problem of personal
identity is solved when the individual accepts the full responsibility
of his freedom, makes an ethical choice and commits himself to a
world he shares with his fellow humans. Two characters, Malone
and Jester, are studied in detail, because the existential dilemmas
are especially embodied in them. The paper concludes with an
attempt to elucidate the reasons why this most optimistic of
McCullers' novels has more'flaws in construction and characterization
than any of those which preceded it.
