Absurdism

Definition

Absurdism is a philosophical perspective that emphasizes the inherent meaninglessness of life and the conflict between individuals' search for meaning and the indifferent universe. This philosophy often highlights the absurdity of existence through dramatic forms, showcasing characters who confront situations beyond their understanding. It connects deeply with social and political commentary, as it questions societal norms and values, and also relates closely to surrealism in its exploration of illogical or fantastical elements that reflect the absurd nature of human experience.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Absurdism emerged primarily in the mid-20th century, influenced by philosophers like Albert Camus, who explored themes of human existence and the search for meaning in a chaotic world.
2. In absurdist works, characters often face situations that defy logic or rational understanding, leading to a sense of disillusionment and existential crisis.
3. The concept of the 'absurd hero' arises in absurdist literature, representing individuals who acknowledge the lack of inherent meaning but choose to continue their struggle against it.
4. Absurdism critiques traditional social structures and norms by exposing their arbitrary nature and questioning their validity in a world devoid of absolute truths.
5. Absurdist plays frequently incorporate humor and irony to convey their themes, using these devices to highlight the contradictions and absurdities of human existence.

Review Questions

• How does absurdism challenge traditional views on meaning and existence, and what implications does this have for characters in literature?
  • Absurdism challenges traditional views by asserting that life lacks inherent meaning, forcing characters to grapple with their existential dilemmas. This creates conflict as they seek purpose in a world that seems indifferent to their struggles. The portrayal of such characters often highlights their absurd situations, which can lead to moments of dark humor or profound realization as they confront the futility of their pursuits.
• In what ways does absurdism serve as a form of social and political commentary within dramatic works?
  • Absurdism serves as social and political commentary by questioning established norms and values that society imposes on individuals. By presenting characters who navigate illogical scenarios, absurdist works expose the arbitrary nature of societal expectations and critique the mechanisms that uphold them. This highlights how absurdity permeates human experience, encouraging audiences to reflect on the absurdities within their own lives and social constructs.
• Evaluate how absurdism overlaps with surrealism in literature and theatre, particularly in their treatment of reality and human experience.
  • Absurdism overlaps with surrealism in its shared focus on challenging conventional perceptions of reality and exploring the irrational aspects of human experience. Both movements utilize illogical elements to depict life's inherent unpredictability and chaos. However, while surrealism often emphasizes dream-like imagery and fantasy to evoke emotional responses, absurdism focuses on existential themes that expose life's futility through character experiences. This fusion allows both forms to engage deeply with the complexities of existence while offering unique insights into the human condition.

Related terms

Existentialism: A philosophical movement that focuses on individual existence, freedom, and choice, exploring how people create meaning in an indifferent universe.

Surrealism: An artistic movement that seeks to challenge the conventional perception of reality by incorporating dream-like and illogical scenes, often reflecting the irrational aspects of human experience.

Theatre of the Absurd: A dramatic genre characterized by absurdity in narrative structure, often featuring illogical dialogue and situations that highlight the meaningless struggle of characters.