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My doctoral thesis examines the theme of wandering in contemporary French and Francophone literature as that theme is exemplified in the works of five authors: Marie Redonnet, Marie NDiaye, Tahar Ben Jelloun, Antoine Volodine, and Patrick Deville. My hypothesis is that each of these writers uses the figure of the wanderer to look critically at traditional paradigms of space, identity and history. My study frames and interprets wandering in new ways by connecting it to the contemporary issues these authors address, such as mass illegal immigration and exile, the rise of racism and xenophobia, the lasting consequences of the wars and revolutions of the past century, and the painful process of colonization and decolonization through the present.

Specifically, my thesis argues that wandering in these authors’ works is an uncertain and risky path of escape and experimentation, rather than a resolution or redemption, as other critics have previously suggested. I would suggest that paradoxically wandering often doesn’t bring changes for the characters in the works I am studying. Rather, wandering in many cases leads to new types of discriminations, violence, and oppression that cannot be overcome. Nevertheless, the new failures brought on by wandering should not be seen as devoid of value, but rather as a means of resistance.

The writing of this dissertation was only possible thanks to the support and inspiration of so many people who I love and respect. To my wife, Kimberly Van Becelaere, whose unconditional support, excellent edits to my manuscript, and love kept me motivated through the PhD until the very end and beyond. To my extended family, thank you for your encouragement and practical support when I needed it most. I am indebted to my friends, colleagues, and writing peers Danica Petrovska, Elizabeth Rose, and Sarah Fisher. You have helped me to keep working hard in moments of doubt.

I am forever appreciative of the members of my doctoral committee—Warren Motte, Elisabeth Arnould-Bloomfield, Brian Valente-Quinn, Christopher Braider, and Patrick Greaney. I am especially grateful to professor Motte, Arnould-Bloomfield, and Ardizzoni—for your guidance, advice, and engagement with my project. Finally, I would like to acknowledge and thank the professors, language coordinators, and staff in the French & Italian department with whom it was a pleasure to work.