Existentialism

Definition

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice, asserting that individuals are responsible for giving their own lives meaning in a seemingly indifferent or absurd universe. This philosophy often explores themes of alienation, despair, and the search for authenticity, connecting deeply with questions of faith and belief in various forms of literature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Existentialism gained prominence in the 20th century, influenced by philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, who highlighted the importance of personal choice and responsibility.
2. In literature, existentialist themes often reflect characters grappling with isolation, moral dilemmas, and the quest for authenticity amidst societal norms.
3. Many works of Victorian poetry and prose reveal a crisis of faith as characters confront the lack of absolute truths, resonating with existentialist thoughts on uncertainty and despair.
4. T.S. Eliot's poetry showcases existentialist themes through the portrayal of modern alienation and spiritual searching in a fragmented world after World War I.
5. The impact of the World Wars on literature heightened existentialist concerns about human existence, leading authors to question the meaning of life in the face of suffering and chaos.

Review Questions

• How do existentialist ideas about individual responsibility and freedom relate to the crisis of faith portrayed in Victorian literature?
  • Existentialist ideas highlight that individuals must create their own meaning and make choices in an uncertain world. In Victorian literature, many characters experience a crisis of faith as they confront societal expectations and religious beliefs that no longer resonate. This struggle reflects existentialist themes where characters seek authenticity and grapple with feelings of despair when faced with life's inherent uncertainties.
• Discuss how T.S. Eliot's use of existentialist themes enhances the exploration of religious motifs in his poetry.
  • T.S. Eliot’s poetry often integrates existentialist themes by portraying characters who experience profound alienation and disillusionment in a modern world. This exploration enhances religious motifs as Eliot examines the struggle for spiritual meaning amidst chaos and fragmentation. Through his works, such as 'The Waste Land,' he conveys a sense of searching for redemption and understanding in a post-war context where traditional beliefs are challenged.
• Evaluate how the impact of the World Wars contributed to the development of existentialism in literature and its reflections on human existence.
  • The World Wars profoundly influenced literature by exposing the brutality and absurdity of human conflict, prompting writers to reevaluate the nature of existence. This period saw a surge in existentialist thought as authors depicted characters grappling with despair, alienation, and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe. The horrors experienced during the wars forced both writers and readers to confront deep philosophical questions about life’s purpose and morality, ultimately embedding existentialism within modern literary narratives.

Related terms

Absurdism: A philosophical perspective that explores the conflict between humans' desire to find inherent meaning in life and the silent, indifferent universe that offers none.

Authenticity: The quality of being true to oneself and one's values, which existentialists argue is essential for creating personal meaning and identity.

Alienation: A condition in which individuals feel isolated or estranged from their surroundings, others, or even themselves, often emphasized in existentialist literature.