Existentialism

Definition

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice, often focusing on the struggles of finding meaning in a seemingly indifferent or chaotic universe. This philosophy highlights the responsibility of individuals to create their own values and meaning in life, especially in the face of absurdity and despair, which deeply influences both contemporary literature and the reception of Western literary ideas in East Asia.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Existentialism gained prominence in the 20th century, particularly through the works of philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, influencing various writers and artists globally.
2. In contemporary Japanese novels, authors like Haruki Murakami explore themes of existential isolation and the search for identity, reflecting existentialist concerns about authenticity and meaning.
3. Banana Yoshimoto's works often depict characters grappling with loss and searching for purpose, resonating with existential themes of creating meaning from suffering.
4. Existentialist literature tends to challenge traditional narrative structures, mirroring its emphasis on individual experience over universal truths.
5. The influence of Western existential thought has shaped modern East Asian fiction by encouraging writers to confront existential dilemmas and societal norms, leading to new literary expressions.

Review Questions

• How do contemporary Japanese novels reflect existentialist themes in their character development and narrative structure?
  • Contemporary Japanese novels often depict characters who face existential crises, navigating feelings of isolation and a search for identity. Authors like Haruki Murakami present protagonists who grapple with their existence and the absurdity of life, emphasizing individual experiences over conventional storytelling. This aligns with existentialist thought as characters seek personal meaning amidst chaos, showcasing a shift in narrative structure that prioritizes psychological depth over traditional plot progression.
• Discuss how Western existentialism has influenced the thematic development in East Asian fiction, specifically regarding concepts of alienation and identity.
  • Western existentialism has significantly impacted East Asian fiction by introducing themes of alienation and identity crises. Writers influenced by existentialist ideas explore characters’ struggles against societal expectations and personal despair. This connection allows for deeper reflections on modern life's complexities in East Asia, as authors incorporate philosophical dilemmas into their narratives. The resulting literature often questions established norms while searching for personal authenticity amid cultural pressures.
• Evaluate the impact of existentialism on the evolution of narrative styles in both Haruki Murakami's and Banana Yoshimoto's works compared to traditional Japanese literature.
  • Existentialism has profoundly impacted narrative styles in the works of Haruki Murakami and Banana Yoshimoto, pushing them toward introspective storytelling that diverges from traditional Japanese literature. Their narratives frequently feature non-linear plots and fragmented structures that mirror existential themes of uncertainty and complexity. By emphasizing individual perception and internal struggles over collective experiences or moral lessons typical in classic literature, they contribute to a new literary form that resonates with contemporary readers navigating life's ambiguities.

Related terms

absurdism:

A philosophical perspective closely related to existentialism, absurdism posits that human beings exist in a purposeless, chaotic universe, leading to a conflict between the search for meaning and the silent universe.

alienation: A feeling of disconnection or estrangement from one's surroundings or society, often explored in existentialist literature to illustrate the individual's struggle for authenticity in a conformist world.

nihilism: A philosophical belief that life lacks intrinsic meaning or value, which existentialists confront by advocating for the creation of personal meaning despite the void.