Existentialism

Definition

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that focuses on individual existence, freedom, and choice, emphasizing the importance of personal experience and responsibility. This worldview suggests that individuals must create their own meaning in a seemingly indifferent or absurd universe. It connects deeply with themes of alienation, anxiety, and the quest for authenticity, which resonate throughout various forms of literature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Existentialism emerged prominently in the 20th century, influenced by earlier philosophers like Søren Kierkegaard and Friedrich Nietzsche.
2. Major existentialist writers include Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Albert Camus, whose works explore themes of freedom, choice, and the human condition.
3. The rise of the European novel during this time provided a rich platform for existential themes, allowing characters to grapple with their own existence and choices.
4. Existentialists argue that individuals are 'condemned to be free,' meaning that with freedom comes the burden of responsibility for one's choices and actions.
5. Existentialism often depicts characters who confront isolation and despair, yet also illustrate the potential for personal growth and self-definition through conscious choices.

Review Questions

• How does existentialism influence character development in European novels?
  • Existentialism plays a significant role in shaping character development within European novels by highlighting the struggles individuals face as they navigate their freedom and choices. Characters are often depicted grappling with feelings of isolation, anxiety, and absurdity as they seek to create their own meaning in life. This internal conflict allows for rich character exploration, showcasing their journey toward authenticity and self-definition amid an indifferent world.
• Discuss the relationship between existentialism and themes of alienation in European literature.
  • Existentialism is closely tied to themes of alienation in European literature as it explores how individuals often feel disconnected from society and themselves. Writers depict characters who experience a sense of estrangement due to their awareness of life's inherent absurdity or the burden of freedom. This alienation drives characters to confront their existence more deeply, ultimately leading them to search for authenticity in a world that seems unwelcoming or indifferent.
• Evaluate how existentialism reflects societal changes in Europe during its rise in literature.
  • The rise of existentialism in European literature mirrors significant societal changes such as the aftermath of World War II, which left many questioning traditional values and beliefs. The chaos and uncertainty of this period fueled existentialist themes as writers depicted characters wrestling with freedom, responsibility, and the quest for meaning amidst an unstable world. These narratives challenged readers to reflect on their own existence and the nature of humanity itself, pushing against previous literary conventions and embracing more complex psychological explorations.

Related terms

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

Authenticity: The quality of being true to one's own personality, spirit, or character, often emphasized in existentialist thought as a key to genuine existence.

Nihilism: The belief that life is without objective meaning, purpose, or intrinsic value, often seen as a precursor or contrast to existentialist thought.