Existentialism

Definition

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice, positing that individuals create their own meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe. This idea connects deeply with themes of alienation, absurdity, and the search for authenticity, influencing various artistic expressions and styles.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Existentialism gained prominence in the 20th century, particularly after World War II, as people grappled with themes of despair, freedom, and individuality amid societal changes.
2. Key existentialist thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir argued that existence precedes essence, meaning individuals must define their own lives through choices and actions.
3. The movement influenced modern theatre by reflecting themes of absurdity and isolation through innovative narrative structures and character development.
4. Existentialism critiques traditional moral systems, suggesting that values are subjective and must be created rather than discovered.
5. The influence of existentialism is evident in the works of playwrights like Samuel Beckett and Eugene Ionesco, who explored the human condition in absurd and minimalist ways.

Review Questions

• How does existentialism relate to the concept of the Verfremdungseffekt in modern theatre?
  • Existentialism and the Verfremdungseffekt share a focus on alienation and the individual's struggle within an absurd reality. The alienation effect encourages audiences to reflect critically on the play’s themes instead of getting lost in emotional engagement. By presenting characters that embody existential dilemmas, playwrights like Bertolt Brecht sought to make the audience aware of their own existence and choices within society.
• Analyze how Chekhov's dramatic innovations can be viewed through an existential lens.
  • Chekhov's work often highlights characters caught in a web of unfulfilled desires and existential angst. His use of subtext reveals the inner lives of characters who struggle with their lack of purpose or direction. This aligns with existentialist themes as Chekhov's protagonists grapple with their identities and choices in a world that appears indifferent to their struggles.
• Evaluate the impact of existentialism on the themes found in 'Waiting for Godot' and 'Rhinoceros'.
  • 'Waiting for Godot' encapsulates existential thought by presenting characters who wait indefinitely for meaning or salvation that never arrives. The play raises questions about human existence, purpose, and the nature of time. Similarly, 'Rhinoceros' tackles themes of conformity and individual choice in an absurd context, depicting how societal pressures can lead to loss of authenticity. Both plays illustrate existentialism's core belief that individuals must confront absurdity to create their own meaning in life.

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.

Alienation: A feeling of estrangement or disconnection from oneself, others, or the world, often highlighted in existentialist thought as a fundamental aspect of human experience.

Authenticity: The quality of being true to one's own personality, spirit, or character, often considered essential for living an existentially meaningful life.