The egoist

Definition

An egoist is a person who prioritizes their own interests, desires, and well-being above those of others. In the context of literature, particularly modernism, this concept often explores themes of individualism, self-centeredness, and the complexities of human motivation, challenging traditional notions of altruism and societal responsibility.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Egoism in literature often contrasts with themes of collectivism and societal duty, leading to character conflicts and moral dilemmas.
2. Modernist writers frequently depicted egoists as complex characters struggling with their identities and societal expectations.
3. The rise of psychological exploration in modernist literature allowed for deeper insight into the motivations of egoistic characters.
4. Egoism can be seen as both a critique of societal norms and a reflection of the modern human condition during times of upheaval and change.
5. In works from the modernist period, egoists may grapple with isolation and alienation, as their self-interest often places them at odds with community values.

Review Questions

• How does the portrayal of egoists in modernist literature challenge traditional societal values?
  • Egoists in modernist literature challenge traditional societal values by highlighting individual desires over communal obligations. This portrayal often reveals characters who struggle with their self-interest against the expectations placed upon them by society. By presenting egoists as complex figures, writers provoke thought about the morality of prioritizing one's own needs in contrast to the needs of others.
• Discuss the role of psychological exploration in understanding egoistic characters in modernist literature.
  • Psychological exploration plays a crucial role in understanding egoistic characters in modernist literature by providing insight into their internal motivations and conflicts. As authors delve into the psyche of these characters, readers gain a deeper appreciation for their struggles with identity, alienation, and societal pressures. This exploration allows for a richer interpretation of how egoism affects interpersonal relationships and individual purpose within a fragmented world.
• Evaluate how the concept of egoism reflects broader existential themes in modernist works.
  • The concept of egoism reflects broader existential themes in modernist works by illustrating the tension between individual agency and life's inherent absurdity. As characters prioritize their own interests, they often confront feelings of isolation and disconnection in an indifferent universe. This struggle underscores key existential questions about meaning, purpose, and the responsibility one has to oneself versus others, revealing how modernism grapples with the complexities of human existence amid social change.

Related terms

Individualism:

A social and political philosophy that emphasizes the moral worth of the individual and the importance of personal freedom and self-reliance.

Nihilism: A philosophical viewpoint that rejects traditional values and beliefs, often asserting that life is meaningless, which can lead to a focus on self-interest.

Existentialism: A philosophical movement that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice, often exploring the inherent meaninglessness of life.