Existentialism

Definition

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice, asserting that individuals are responsible for creating meaning in their own lives despite the inherent absurdity of the world. This perspective has significantly influenced literature, where characters often grapple with the complexities of existence, the search for identity, and the confrontation with mortality.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Existentialism gained prominence in the early 20th century with key figures like Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, who explored themes of freedom, choice, and the absurdity of existence.
2. In literature, existentialist characters often experience alienation and existential dread as they confront their own freedom and the responsibility that comes with it.
3. French existentialism is particularly noted for its focus on subjectivity and personal experience, shaping narratives around individual struggles against societal norms.
4. Existentialist themes are prevalent in modernist novels, where authors often break traditional storytelling forms to emphasize disorientation and fragmentation reflective of contemporary life.
5. The Theater of the Absurd emerged from existentialist ideas, using absurdity in dialogue and situation to highlight the futility of human action in an indifferent universe.

Review Questions

• How does existentialism influence character development in literature?
  • Existentialism deeply influences character development by focusing on the internal struggles individuals face as they confront their freedom and the responsibility of making meaningful choices. Characters often grapple with feelings of alienation and absurdity, reflecting their search for identity in a chaotic world. This leads to complex character arcs where their decisions carry significant weight, illustrating the core existential belief that individuals must create their own meaning despite external pressures.
• Discuss how existentialist themes manifest in modernist novels compared to traditional narrative forms.
  • In modernist novels, existentialist themes manifest through fragmented narrative structures and unreliable perspectives that mirror the disorientation felt by characters. Unlike traditional narratives that follow linear plots, modernist works often present characters’ internal conflicts and existential dilemmas without clear resolutions. This shift emphasizes individual experiences and highlights the absurdity of life, allowing readers to engage more deeply with the philosophical questions surrounding existence and identity.
• Evaluate the impact of existentialism on post-war literature and its connection to themes of absurdity in works produced during this period.
  • Post-war literature was profoundly impacted by existentialism as authors grappled with the aftermath of conflict, leading to themes of absurdity and disillusionment. Writers like Samuel Beckett and Albert Camus portrayed characters who faced an indifferent universe, reflecting a deep sense of loss and questioning the purpose of existence. The blending of existential thought with absurdity allowed for a unique exploration of human experience during a time when traditional values were challenged, resulting in literature that resonated with the feelings of uncertainty and search for meaning prevalent in post-war society.

Related terms

Absurdism:

Absurdism is a philosophical perspective closely related to existentialism, which suggests that human beings exist in a purposeless and chaotic universe, leading to a conflict between their desire for meaning and the indifferent nature of reality.

Authenticity: Authenticity refers to the idea of being true to one's self and values, which is a central tenet in existentialist thought, encouraging individuals to make choices based on personal beliefs rather than societal expectations.

Nihilism:

Nihilism is a philosophical belief that life is without objective meaning or purpose, often seen as a consequence of existential thought that can lead to despair if one rejects the possibility of creating their own meaning.