P.C. Jersild’s Ypsilon (2012): Postmodernism, Metafiction, and Social Purpose

This article explores P.C. Jersild's metafictive maneuvers in his 2012 novel, _Ypsilon_. The fates of nine characters from nine of Jersild's novels are intertwined in this story which serves as a prequel to his novel, _En levande själ_. In addition, Jersild provides reflections on the rules of fiction and his feelings about being an author. Playful fabulation is, however, contrasted with clinically realistic descriptions of suffering and death. The text is playful, but the purpose is serious. The ethics of euthanasia are explored, and Jersild continues to interest himself in the essence of identity, self, and humanity, as well as the toll upon individuals who find themselves in the power of impersonal bureaucracy. Jersild writes postmodern prose with a social purpose.