Existential angst

Definition

Existential angst refers to the deep-seated anxiety and unease that arises from the individual's confrontation with the inherent meaninglessness of life, the weight of freedom, and the burden of personal choice. This feeling often reflects a struggle with self-identity, authenticity, and the human condition, leading to a sense of disorientation in a seemingly indifferent universe. In literature and philosophy, this concept resonates deeply with themes of isolation, despair, and the absurdity of existence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Existential angst is closely tied to the existentialist belief in personal freedom and responsibility, where individuals must confront their choices and the consequences that come with them.
2. In literature, existential angst often manifests through characters who struggle with feelings of isolation, absurdity, and alienation from society.
3. Key figures like Søren Kierkegaard and Jean-Paul Sartre have explored existential angst, emphasizing its role in understanding the human experience.
4. Existential angst can lead to a transformative realization for some individuals, prompting them to seek authentic living despite life's inherent uncertainties.
5. The concept is frequently portrayed in existentialist and absurdist poetry, capturing the tension between hope and despair in a world devoid of absolute truths.

Review Questions

• How does existential angst relate to the themes found in existentialist literature?
  • Existential angst serves as a central theme in existentialist literature by highlighting characters' struggles with freedom and the search for meaning. Authors often depict protagonists grappling with feelings of isolation and disorientation as they navigate a world that seems indifferent to their existence. This exploration reflects the existentialists' belief that individuals must confront their own choices and embrace their freedom, despite the inherent anxiety it may provoke.
• Discuss the role of absurdity in understanding existential angst within poetry.
  • Absurdity plays a crucial role in shaping the experience of existential angst in poetry by emphasizing the disconnect between human aspirations for meaning and the chaotic nature of existence. Poets like Samuel Beckett utilize absurdist elements to illustrate how characters face life's meaninglessness, often leading to profound feelings of despair. This interaction between absurdity and angst allows poets to convey deep emotional truths about human existence while challenging readers to confront their own perceptions of meaning.
• Evaluate how existential angst influences personal identity and authenticity in modern contexts.
  • Existential angst significantly impacts personal identity and authenticity in contemporary society as individuals grapple with societal expectations and the quest for genuine self-expression. The awareness of life's uncertainties often compels people to reflect on their values and choices, fostering a search for authenticity amidst external pressures. This ongoing struggle can lead to greater self-awareness and personal growth, as individuals confront their own anxieties and navigate the complexities of existence in an increasingly interconnected yet isolating world.

Related terms

Absurdism:

A philosophical perspective that emphasizes the conflict between humans' desire for meaning and the silent, indifferent universe, suggesting that life is inherently meaningless.

Authenticity: The degree to which an individual is true to their own personality, spirit, or character, as opposed to conforming to external pressures or societal expectations.

Nihilism:

A philosophical viewpoint asserting that life lacks inherent meaning or value, often leading to a rejection of moral principles and existential despair.