The plague

Definition

The plague refers to a devastating infectious disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, historically responsible for multiple pandemics, including the infamous Black Death in the 14th century. Its impact on society, particularly in Europe, profoundly influenced existentialist thought and literature, as people grappled with themes of suffering, death, and the absurdity of existence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The plague is historically linked to various pandemics, with the Black Death being the most notorious, resulting in the death of an estimated 25 million people in Europe.
2. The psychological impact of the plague led many writers to explore themes of despair, mortality, and the search for meaning amidst chaos.
3. In existentialist literature, characters often face the absurdity of life and their mortality as they confront the realities of suffering brought by disease and death.
4. The plague catalyzed shifts in societal norms and values, leading to increased questioning of authority and traditional beliefs about life and existence.
5. The portrayal of the plague in literature often reflects existential crises, where characters navigate a world filled with uncertainty and inevitable death.

Review Questions

• How did the experiences surrounding the plague influence existentialist themes in literature?
  • The experiences surrounding the plague had a profound effect on existentialist literature as writers sought to convey the depths of human suffering and the confrontation with mortality. The fear and uncertainty generated by such widespread death forced characters to face the absurdity of existence. This led to a rich exploration of themes like despair, isolation, and the quest for meaning in an unpredictable world.
• Discuss how the historical context of the plague shaped philosophical inquiries during the period.
  • The historical context of the plague prompted deep philosophical inquiries about life, death, and human existence. As society dealt with unprecedented loss, thinkers began to challenge established beliefs about destiny, fate, and divine order. The calamity led to a reevaluation of moral values and human agency, fostering an environment ripe for existentialist thought that questioned traditional narratives about purpose and existence.
• Evaluate the long-term cultural impacts of the plague on existentialism and literature.
  • The long-term cultural impacts of the plague on existentialism and literature are evident in how subsequent generations grappled with themes of alienation and absurdity. The trauma caused by mass death influenced not only literary works but also philosophical movements that questioned humanity's place in a seemingly indifferent universe. This legacy continues to resonate today as modern writers still explore similar existential dilemmas rooted in historical experiences like those brought on by the plague.

Related terms

Existentialism: A philosophical movement emphasizing individual existence, freedom, and choice, often confronting the absurdity and meaninglessness of life.

Absurdism:

A philosophy closely related to existentialism that focuses on the conflict between human beings' search for meaning and the indifferent universe.

Black Death: A catastrophic outbreak of plague that swept through Europe in the 14th century, leading to significant social, economic, and cultural changes.