Ambivalence and Irony in the Works of Joseph Roth

Did Joseph Roth, the socialist, revolutionary and sceptic, become a monarchist, reactionary and believer? This work attributes the contradictory manifestations in the life and personality of Roth to the attitude of ambivalence and irony that characterised him and his generation. The historical and intellectual situation that led to the dominance of this attitude and Roth’s susceptibility to it due to the circumstances of his life are discussed. A meticulous study of Roth’s letters, journalistic work and novels follows substantiating the thesis advanced.