Which literary figure is known for the exploration of consciousness and identity in the modern era?

The exploration of consciousness and identity in the modern era is a significant theme in the works of Albert Camus. He is primarily associated with existentialism and absurdism, philosophical movements that deeply investigate the human condition, individual identity, and the nature of existence in a seemingly indifferent universe. Camus' novels, like "The Stranger," focus on the internal struggles of characters facing alienation and existential dilemmas, highlighting the complexities of personal identity in a world devoid of inherent meaning.

In contrast, while Fyodor Dostoyevsky delves into psychological depth and moral ambiguity in his exploration of consciousness, especially in works like "Crime and Punishment," his focus often leans more towards the moral and ethical implications of existence rather than the modern existential struggles Camus addresses.

Thomas Mann's work, particularly in "The Magic Mountain" and "Death in Venice," also touches on identity and consciousness but does so in the context of societal and cultural issues more than the personal existential crises seen in Camus' writings.

Ralph Ellison, known for "Invisible Man," does explore identity, particularly in the context of race and social visibility in America. However, the systematic exploration of consciousness as a philosophical inquiry is more distinctly aligned with Camus' contributions to modern