Existentialism

Definition

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice, asserting that individuals create their own meaning in an indifferent universe. It focuses on the struggles of individuals to find purpose and authenticity in a world often seen as absurd or chaotic, influencing various forms of literature and art.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Existentialism emerged as a significant movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with key figures like Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Sartre, and Camus shaping its foundations.
2. Modernist fiction and poetry often reflect existential themes, portraying characters grappling with alienation, despair, and the search for identity in a fragmented world.
3. Virginia Woolf's 'Mrs. Dalloway' highlights existential concerns by delving into the inner lives of its characters as they confront their pasts and societal expectations.
4. Ernest Hemingway's war novels often illustrate existential themes through characters facing the absurdity of war and the challenge of finding meaning amidst chaos.
5. Absurdist theater builds on existential ideas by depicting characters in illogical situations that expose the absurdity of human existence and the struggle for meaning.

Review Questions

• How do existential themes manifest in modernist fiction and what is their significance?
  • Existential themes in modernist fiction often emerge through characters who face intense internal struggles related to identity, alienation, and the search for meaning. These characters typically grapple with feelings of disconnection from society and confront the absurdity of their circumstances. This exploration not only reflects individual experiences but also resonates with broader social anxieties during a time of great change, making these themes central to understanding the human condition in modern literature.
• Discuss how Virginia Woolf's 'Mrs. Dalloway' incorporates existential ideas in its narrative structure and character development.
  • In 'Mrs. Dalloway,' Woolf employs stream-of-consciousness narrative techniques to provide insight into her characters' thoughts and emotions. This method allows readers to witness Clarissa Dalloway's reflections on her life choices, social expectations, and the passage of time. The novel captures existential ideas as Clarissa grapples with her sense of identity and purpose amid societal pressures, illustrating her quest for authenticity in a world filled with superficiality.
• Evaluate the influence of existentialist philosophy on the works of Sartre and Camus and how their ideas differ.
  • Sartre's existentialism emphasizes freedom, choice, and the burden of responsibility in creating one's own essence, arguing that existence precedes essence. In contrast, Camus focuses on the absurdity of life, suggesting that while individuals can create their own meaning, they must also confront the inherent meaninglessness of existence. This divergence highlights different approaches to similar concerns: Sartre advocates for active engagement with freedom while Camus explores acceptance of absurdity without nihilism. Both writers significantly shaped existential thought through their unique interpretations.

Related terms

Absurdism:

A philosophical concept closely related to existentialism that emphasizes the conflict between human tendency to seek inherent meaning in life and the silent, indifferent universe that offers none.

Alienation:

A feeling of disconnection from society, others, or oneself, often explored in existentialist literature as characters confront their isolation and search for meaning.

Authenticity: The idea of being true to one's self, beliefs, and values, which is a central concern in existentialism, encouraging individuals to live genuinely despite societal pressures.