The Existential Function of Choice in Monica Ali’s Brick Lane

Abstract

This paper explores the existential dimension of Monica Ali’s Brick Lane through the lens of Jean-Paul Sartre’s philosophy, particularly his concepts of radical freedom and responsibility. Central to Sartre’s existentialism is the belief that individuals are condemned to be free, meaning they must continuously choose and, in doing so, define their essence. Within Brick Lane, Nazneen’s journey from passive submission to active self-definition encapsulates this existential struggle. The research focuses on key moments where Nazneen and other characters, such as Chanu, Karim, and Razia, confront meaningful choices that redefine their sense of self and agency. These small acts of choice—from Nazneen deciding to stop writing letters to her sister, to her final rejection of Karim’s proposal—illustrate an incremental process of existential awakening. By interpreting these moments through Sartre’s framework, the paper argues that Brick Lane presents not only a narrative of cultural and gendered displacement but also an existential narrative of becoming. The analysis reveals how choice functions as both a burden and a vehicle for self-creation, illuminating the existential tensions inherent in immigrant life and female subjectivity. Ultimately, Brick Lane demonstrates that even in constrained conditions, the act of choosing can be a profound assertion of being.