Ethical Labyrinths and Shifting Realities: Modernist Undertones in A. J. Cronin’s the Citadel

This study examines the infusion of modernist elements in A. J. Cronin’s significant literary contribution, The Citadel. Set against the evolving landscape of the early 20th century, the novel unveils as a dynamic exploration of the modernist ethos, touching upon the intricacies of medical practice, societal expectations, and ethical conundrums. Dr Andrew Manson, the central figure, serves as a conduit for embodying the modernist spirit, challenging established norms, and deftly manoeuvring through the intricate network of the medical profession. Despite living in the age of modernism, Cronin was rather romantic in his writing and not as experimental as his contemporaries. Nevertheless, his Citadel does not strictly adhere to a linear structure, it employs flashbacks and shifts in perspective to convey Manson’s experiences. It also explores the character’s struggles to maintain ethical standards within a corrupt system mirroring modernist themes of moral and social challenges.