Existential angst

Definition

Existential angst refers to a profound sense of anxiety and uncertainty stemming from the human experience of existence, identity, and the search for meaning. This feeling often arises when individuals confront the inherent absurdity of life and their own mortality, leading to an internal struggle with self-awareness and purpose. It's closely tied to concepts like freedom and responsibility, emphasizing the weight of choices in an unpredictable world.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Existential angst can manifest in various ways, including feelings of despair, confusion, and dread when individuals confront their existence and choices.
2. This concept is heavily explored in literature and philosophy, with notable figures like Søren Kierkegaard and Jean-Paul Sartre emphasizing its significance in understanding the human condition.
3. Existential angst is often linked to personal crises or significant life changes, prompting individuals to question their beliefs, values, and direction in life.
4. In dramatic works, characters experiencing existential angst often undergo intense internal conflict that drives the narrative and their development.
5. The resolution of existential angst may involve embracing one's freedom and responsibility in creating meaning, rather than seeking external validation or answers.

Review Questions

• How does existential angst contribute to internal conflict in characters within a narrative?
  • Existential angst drives characters into deep internal conflict as they grapple with their identity, choices, and the search for meaning. This anxiety can lead to moments of self-doubt and questioning of their purpose, which often creates tension in their relationships and decisions. The struggle becomes a key element in character development as they navigate their feelings and ultimately seek resolution or acceptance.
• Discuss how the themes of freedom and responsibility are interconnected with existential angst in storytelling.
  • Freedom and responsibility are core themes linked to existential angst because they highlight the burden of choice that comes with being alive. In narratives, characters facing existential angst often realize that they have the freedom to shape their lives but must also bear the consequences of their decisions. This tension enriches storytelling by illustrating how characters confront their fears while taking ownership of their actions, often resulting in significant personal growth or tragic outcomes.
• Evaluate the impact of existential angst on character relationships in dramatic works, considering both conflict and resolution.
  • Existential angst profoundly affects character relationships by creating rifts fueled by self-doubt, alienation, and differing worldviews. Characters may struggle to connect with others due to their inner turmoil, leading to misunderstandings or conflicts that drive the plot. However, this angst can also serve as a catalyst for deeper connections as characters work through their struggles together or find common ground in shared experiences. Ultimately, this duality highlights how existential angst can lead to both conflict and potential resolution, enriching the emotional landscape of the narrative.

Related terms

Absurdism: A philosophical perspective asserting that human beings exist in a purposeless, chaotic universe, leading to a conflict between the human desire for meaning and the indifferent nature of the universe.

Authenticity: The quality of being true to oneself and one's values, often seen as a response to existential angst, where individuals strive to create their own meaning and identity.

Alienation: A feeling of disconnection or estrangement from oneself or society, often heightened by existential angst as individuals grapple with their place in the world.