Existential crisis

Definition

An existential crisis refers to a period of intense questioning and doubt about one's purpose, values, and identity in life. This state often leads individuals to confront feelings of alienation, despair, and uncertainty about their existence, which are common themes in postwar literature. These crises are typically triggered by significant life events or societal changes, prompting individuals to reevaluate their beliefs and relationships.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Existential crises often arise in response to major historical events or societal shifts, particularly in the aftermath of World War II when many faced disillusionment.
2. Characters in postwar literature frequently grapple with feelings of despair and isolation as they confront their own existential crises.
3. The themes of existential crisis are closely tied to broader notions of identity and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world.
4. Literature from this period reflects the struggle of individuals as they attempt to navigate their sense of self amidst societal chaos and personal turmoil.
5. Authors often use existential crises as a lens to explore deeper philosophical questions about existence, morality, and human connection.

Review Questions

• How does an existential crisis manifest in characters from postwar literature?
  • In postwar literature, characters experiencing an existential crisis often display intense inner turmoil, questioning their purpose and the meaning of life. This can manifest through feelings of isolation, alienation from society, and a sense of hopelessness. Authors use these crises to illustrate the characters' struggles with identity and their attempts to find connection in a disordered world.
• Discuss the relationship between existential crises and themes of despair in postwar literature.
  • Existential crises are closely intertwined with themes of despair in postwar literature. As characters confront the void left by war and societal upheaval, their struggles often lead to profound feelings of hopelessness. This sense of despair is not only personal but reflects the broader disillusionment prevalent in society during this period. Authors portray these experiences to highlight the fragility of human existence and the search for meaning amid chaos.
• Evaluate the significance of existential crises in understanding human nature as depicted in postwar literature.
  • Existential crises play a crucial role in understanding human nature as depicted in postwar literature by revealing the complexities of individual identity and moral reasoning. The characters’ struggles reflect universal questions about existence, purpose, and connection to others. By examining these crises, readers gain insight into how individuals cope with uncertainty and seek meaning in a world that often feels chaotic and indifferent. This exploration deepens our comprehension of what it means to be human in times of profound change.

Related terms

alienation:

A feeling of being disconnected or estranged from oneself, others, or society as a whole, often leading to feelings of isolation.

nihilism:

The philosophical belief that life is meaningless and rejects established social and moral values, often resulting in despair.

absurdism: A philosophical perspective that highlights the conflict between human beings' desire for meaning and the indifferent universe, suggesting that individuals must create their own meaning in an absurd world.