Existentialism

Definition

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice. It focuses on the experience of the individual in a seemingly indifferent or absurd universe, asserting that meaning must be created rather than discovered. This perspective aligns with themes of mortality and the human condition, which resonate strongly with the reflective and often somber tones found in the works of certain poets during this era.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Graveyard Poets, including Thomas Gray and Edward Young, often reflected existential themes by contemplating mortality and the transient nature of life.
2. Gray's 'Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard' exemplifies existential reflection as it addresses death, the value of individual lives, and the inevitability of mortality.
3. Young's 'Night Thoughts' explores the human condition and the pursuit of understanding life's purpose in the face of death and suffering.
4. Existentialism questions the societal norms and conventions of its time, encouraging readers to confront their own existence and personal choices.
5. The themes of isolation and introspection prevalent in Gray's and Young's poetry parallel existentialist thought by highlighting the individual's struggle for meaning in a chaotic world.

Review Questions

• How do the themes presented by the Graveyard Poets relate to existentialist concepts?
  • The Graveyard Poets incorporate existentialist concepts by exploring themes such as mortality, the search for meaning, and individuality. For instance, Thomas Gray's reflections on death in 'Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard' emphasize how each life holds significance despite its transient nature. This resonates with existentialist ideas that meaning is not inherent but must be personally created through reflection on one's existence.
• In what ways do Gray's 'Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard' and Young's 'Night Thoughts' embody existentialist thought?
  • Both works embody existentialist thought by grappling with profound questions about life, death, and individual purpose. Gray’s poem contemplates the lives of ordinary people who are often overlooked, highlighting their existential significance. Similarly, Young’s 'Night Thoughts' delves into the struggles of understanding existence and facing inevitable mortality, prompting readers to seek their own meaning amid life’s uncertainties.
• Evaluate how existentialism as a philosophical movement reflects on societal views during the Restoration and Early Eighteenth Century as seen through Gray and Young's poetry.
  • Existentialism reflects a shift in societal views during the Restoration and Early Eighteenth Century, moving away from strictly religious interpretations of life towards a more personal exploration of existence. Gray and Young’s poetry illustrates this by emphasizing individual experience over collective norms. They question traditional beliefs about life after death while promoting introspection regarding one’s choices and purpose, mirroring the broader cultural transformation towards valuing personal significance amid an increasingly complex world.

Related terms

Absurdism: A philosophical perspective that explores the conflict between humans' desire to find inherent meaning in life and the universe's silent indifference.

Authenticity: The quality of being true to one's own personality, spirit, or character, often emphasized in existential thought as a way to create personal meaning.

Nihilism: A philosophical belief that life lacks objective meaning, purpose, or intrinsic value, which can lead to feelings of despair or existential dread.