5.7 Influence of Existentialism and Absurdism on world literature
7 min read•august 21, 2024
Existentialism and absurdism profoundly shaped world literature in the mid-20th century. These philosophical movements emerged from the disillusionment of , challenging traditional beliefs about meaning and existence.
Key thinkers like Sartre, Camus, and Beauvoir explored themes of freedom, responsibility, and the absurdity of life. Their ideas influenced writers globally, sparking new literary techniques and themes that continue to resonate in contemporary works.
Origins of existentialism
Emerged as a philosophical movement in the mid-20th century, profoundly influencing World Literature II
Developed in response to the horrors of World War II and the subsequent societal disillusionment
Challenged traditional philosophical and religious beliefs about the meaning of human existence
Key existentialist philosophers
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THE GRANDMA'S LOGBOOK ---: SIMONE DE BEAUVOIR, EXISTENTIALISM IN PHILOSOPHY View original
pioneered existentialist philosophy through his literary and philosophical works
explored absurdism as a branch of existentialist thought in his novels and essays
contributed feminist perspectives to existentialist philosophy
's concept of "Being-in-the-World" influenced existentialist thinking
's emphasis on individual existence laid the groundwork for later existentialist ideas
Post-war cultural context
Widespread disillusionment with traditional values and beliefs after World War II
Rapid technological advancements led to feelings of and loss of human connection
Rise of consumer culture and mass media contributed to a sense of inauthenticity in modern life
tensions and the threat of nuclear annihilation heightened existential anxiety
Decolonization movements challenged Western assumptions about progress and civilization
Fundamental existentialist concepts
Existence precedes essence
Rejects the idea of predetermined human nature or purpose
Asserts that individuals create their own meaning through choices and actions
Emphasizes personal responsibility for shaping one's identity and values
Challenges traditional religious and philosophical notions of fixed human essence
Influences literary characters who struggle to define themselves in an uncertain world
Freedom and responsibility
Posits that humans are fundamentally free to make choices in any situation
Argues that this freedom comes with the burden of responsibility for one's actions
Explores the anxiety and anguish that arise from confronting limitless possibilities
Examines how individuals cope with the weight of their choices and their consequences
Influences literary themes of moral dilemmas and personal accountability
Absurdity of life
Recognizes the inherent meaninglessness of human existence in an indifferent universe
Explores the tension between human desire for meaning and the world's lack of inherent purpose
Examines how individuals confront and cope with the absurdity of their existence
Influences literary works that depict characters struggling with existential crises
Challenges readers to find personal meaning in the face of cosmic indifference
Existentialism in literature
French existentialist writers
Jean-Paul Sartre's novels and plays (, No Exit) exemplify existentialist themes
Albert Camus explored absurdism in his fiction (, The Plague)
Simone de Beauvoir's novels (She Came to Stay, The Mandarins) examined existentialist ideas through a feminist lens
André Malraux's works (Man's Fate, The Human Condition) explored existential themes in political contexts
Boris Vian's surrealist novels (Froth on the Daydream) incorporated existentialist elements with dark humor
Existentialist themes in fiction
Alienation and isolation of individuals in modern society
Search for authentic existence in the face of societal pressures
Confrontation with mortality and the finite nature of human life
Exploration of personal freedom and its consequences
Struggle to create meaning in an apparently meaningless universe
Absurdist drama
Samuel Beckett's "" epitomizes absurdist theater with its lack of plot and meaning
Eugene Ionesco's plays (, ) use absurd situations to critique societal norms
Harold Pinter's works (, ) employ menacing absurdism and ambiguous dialogue
Tom Stoppard's "" blends absurdism with existential themes
Edward Albee's "The Zoo Story" explores existential alienation through absurdist dialogue and situations
Influence on world literature
Existentialism across cultures
Japanese author Kōbō Abe explored existential themes in novels like ""
Latin American writers like Julio Cortázar incorporated existentialist ideas in magical realist works
African novelists like Chinua Achebe addressed existential questions in
Eastern European authors like Milan Kundera examined existentialism under communist regimes
Middle Eastern writers like Naguib Mahfouz explored existential themes in Islamic cultural contexts
Impact on postmodern literature
Influenced and techniques
Contributed to the deconstruction of traditional literary forms and structures
Inspired metafictional elements that question the nature of reality and fiction
Encouraged exploration of multiple perspectives and subjective experiences
Influenced the portrayal of characters grappling with identity and meaning in a chaotic world
Existentialist elements in poetry
T.S. Eliot's "The Waste Land" reflects existential despair in post-World War I society
Allen Ginsberg's "Howl" expresses existential angst in the context of 1950s American culture
Sylvia Plath's confessional poetry explores themes of alienation and the search for meaning
Pablo Neruda's later works incorporate existentialist reflections on life and death
Wisława Szymborska's poetry examines existential questions with irony and wit
Major existentialist works
Sartre's "Nausea"
Published in 1938, considered one of the first existentialist novels
Follows protagonist Antoine Roquentin as he grapples with the meaninglessness of existence
Employs technique to convey existential dread and alienation
Explores themes of contingency, freedom, and the absurdity of human life
Influenced subsequent existentialist literature and philosophy
Camus' "The Stranger"
Published in 1942, exemplifies Camus' philosophy of absurdism
Narrated by Meursault, an emotionally detached protagonist who commits a senseless murder
Explores themes of alienation, indifference, and the absurdity of societal expectations
Challenges traditional notions of morality and the meaning of human existence
Influenced postwar literature and sparked debates about individual responsibility
Beckett's "Waiting for Godot"
First performed in 1953, revolutionized theater with its absurdist approach
Features two characters, Vladimir and Estragon, waiting endlessly for someone named Godot
Explores themes of existential despair, the futility of human existence, and the absurdity of language
Uses minimalist setting and circular dialogue to convey the meaninglessness of life
Influenced subsequent playwrights and challenged traditional dramatic structures
Absurdism vs existentialism
Philosophical differences
Existentialism posits that individuals can create meaning in a meaningless universe
Absurdism argues that the search for meaning is itself absurd and futile
Existentialists emphasize individual responsibility and authenticity
Absurdists focus on the inherent contradiction between human desire for meaning and the universe's indifference
Both philosophies acknowledge the absence of inherent meaning but differ in their responses
Literary manifestations
Existentialist literature often features characters actively struggling to create meaning
Absurdist literature emphasizes the futility of human endeavors and the absurdity of existence
Existentialist works may offer potential solutions or paths to authenticity
Absurdist works typically avoid resolution, emphasizing the ongoing nature of absurdity
Both styles often employ unconventional narrative techniques to convey their philosophical ideas
Key absurdist authors
Albert Camus developed absurdism as a philosophical and literary concept
Samuel Beckett's plays epitomize absurdist drama with their lack of plot and meaning
Eugene Ionesco used absurd situations to critique societal norms and language
Franz Kafka's surreal stories (The Metamorphosis) prefigured absurdist themes
Joseph Heller's "Catch-22" applied absurdist ideas to critique war and bureaucracy
Existentialist writing techniques
Stream of consciousness
Mimics the flow of thoughts and sensations in a character's mind
Reflects the chaotic and often irrational nature of human consciousness
Allows for direct exploration of existential anxiety and internal conflicts
Used extensively in Virginia Woolf's "Mrs. Dalloway" and James Joyce's "Ulysses"
Helps convey the subjective experience of time and existence
Unreliable narrators
Challenges the reader's perception of reality and truth
Reflects existentialist ideas about the subjectivity of experience
Used to explore themes of self-deception and the construction of personal narratives
Employed effectively in Albert Camus' "The Fall" and Kazuo Ishiguro's "The Remains of the Day"
Highlights the difficulty of achieving authentic self-knowledge
Fragmented narratives
Disrupts traditional linear storytelling to reflect the chaotic nature of existence
Mirrors the existentialist view of life as lacking inherent order or meaning
Allows for multiple perspectives and interpretations of events
Used in works like William Faulkner's "The Sound and the Fury" and Julio Cortázar's "Hopscotch"
Challenges readers to actively engage in constructing meaning from disparate elements
Criticism and legacy
Critiques of existentialism
Accused of promoting and moral relativism
Criticized for overemphasizing individual experience at the expense of social responsibility
Some argue it leads to a pessimistic and overly bleak worldview
Feminist critics point out the male-centric nature of early existentialist thought
Religious thinkers challenge its rejection of divine purpose or meaning
Influence on contemporary literature
Continues to shape character development and thematic exploration in modern novels
Influences postmodern and metamodern approaches to narrative and meaning
Informs dystopian and speculative fiction that questions the nature of reality and identity
Contributes to the ongoing exploration of alienation and authenticity in digital age literature
Inspires experimental forms that challenge traditional notions of storytelling and authorship
Existentialism in popular culture
Themes of existential crisis and searching for meaning permeate contemporary films and TV shows
Existentialist ideas influence character development in video games and interactive narratives
Comic books and graphic novels often explore existential themes (Watchmen, The Sandman)
Music genres like punk and grunge incorporate existentialist attitudes and lyrics
Internet memes and social media content often humorously reference existential concepts
Key Terms to Review (27)
Albert Camus: Albert Camus was a French philosopher, author, and journalist known for his contributions to existentialism and absurdism. His works often explore themes of meaninglessness, freedom, and the human condition, particularly in the face of an indifferent universe. Camus' writings influenced both literature and philosophy, with a significant impact on various genres, including novels, essays, and plays.
Alienation: Alienation refers to a feeling of disconnection or estrangement from oneself, others, or society as a whole. This concept often highlights the struggles individuals face in modern life, reflecting their isolation amidst societal changes and personal crises. In literature, it serves as a key theme, illustrating the impact of modernity, existentialism, and absurdity on the human experience.
Cold War: The Cold War was a prolonged period of political tension and military rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union, spanning from the end of World War II in the late 1940s to the early 1990s. This conflict was characterized by ideological battles, arms races, and proxy wars, impacting various cultural and artistic movements, including those found in literature and theater.
Existence precedes essence: The phrase 'existence precedes essence' is a fundamental principle in existentialist philosophy, primarily associated with Jean-Paul Sartre. It suggests that individuals are born without any predetermined purpose or nature, and it is through their actions and choices that they create their own identity and meaning. This concept challenges traditional views that essence, or an individual's purpose, comes before existence.
Fragmented narratives: Fragmented narratives are storytelling techniques where the narrative is broken into non-linear segments, often presenting disjointed events, perspectives, or timelines. This style reflects the complexity and chaos of human experience, mirroring the fractured nature of reality, identity, and memory. It often challenges readers to piece together the story from various fragments, engaging them more deeply with the text.
Freedom and responsibility: Freedom and responsibility refer to the philosophical concept that individuals possess the ability to make choices and take actions, while also bearing the consequences of those actions. This connection is crucial in existentialist thought, where the emphasis on individual autonomy leads to the recognition that with freedom comes an inherent responsibility for one’s choices and their impact on oneself and others.
Jean-Paul Sartre: Jean-Paul Sartre was a French philosopher, playwright, novelist, and critic, widely recognized as one of the leading figures of 20th-century existentialism. His works delve into the complexities of human existence, freedom, and the burden of choice, significantly influencing both literature and philosophy.
Magical realism: Magical realism is a literary genre that blends magical elements with realistic settings and events, creating a narrative where the extraordinary is treated as part of everyday life. This style often reflects cultural identity and social issues, allowing authors to explore complex themes through a lens that combines the real with the fantastical.
Martin Heidegger: Martin Heidegger was a 20th-century German philosopher known for his influential ideas on existentialism, phenomenology, and ontology. His work explored the nature of being, human existence, and the concept of 'Being-in-the-world,' which emphasizes the individual's relationship with their surroundings and the search for meaning in an often chaotic universe. Heidegger's philosophical inquiries have had a significant impact on existentialist thought and literature, particularly in how characters navigate absurdity and existence.
Nausea: Nausea is a philosophical concept often associated with the feelings of disorientation, discomfort, and existential dread that arise from a confrontation with the absurdity and meaninglessness of life. This sensation reflects a deeper awareness of one's existence and the inherent contradictions of human life, leading to a profound questioning of purpose and identity.
Nihilism: Nihilism is a philosophical belief that life is without objective meaning, purpose, or intrinsic value. It often leads to skepticism regarding moral truths and societal norms, challenging the foundations of meaning in existence. This perspective is crucial in understanding various literary movements, particularly in how characters confront or reject meaning in their lives, reflecting broader cultural anxieties in periods of change and uncertainty.
Non-linear storytelling: Non-linear storytelling is a narrative technique where events are presented out of chronological order, allowing for multiple perspectives and complex narrative structures. This approach invites readers to engage with the material in a more active way, often reflecting the disjointed nature of human experience, making it particularly resonant in exploring themes of existentialism, magical realism, diaspora, and contemporary feminism.
Postcolonial contexts: Postcolonial contexts refer to the cultural, social, political, and economic conditions that arise in formerly colonized nations following the end of colonial rule. These contexts often explore themes of identity, power dynamics, and cultural hybridity, reflecting the complexities of life after colonialism and the lasting effects of colonialism on societies. Understanding these contexts is crucial in recognizing how literature has evolved to address issues of representation and the struggle for autonomy and self-definition in a globalized world.
Rhinoceros: In literature, 'rhinoceros' often symbolizes the absurdity and conformity of society, particularly in the context of the play 'Rhinoceros' by Eugène Ionesco. This work illustrates how individuals can succumb to the pressures of conformity and abandon their individuality, highlighting themes of existentialism and absurdism, where human existence is portrayed as meaningless amidst a chaotic world.
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead: Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead is a play by Tom Stoppard that reinterprets the events of Shakespeare's Hamlet through the perspective of two minor characters, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. The work embodies themes of existentialism and absurdism, highlighting the randomness of existence and the often arbitrary nature of fate, while also showcasing the characteristics of postmodern drama through its playful language, non-linear structure, and meta-theatrical elements.
Simone de beauvoir: Simone de Beauvoir was a French existentialist philosopher, writer, and feminist known for her influential works that explored the nature of existence, freedom, and the condition of women. Her most famous work, 'The Second Sex,' challenged traditional views of women's roles in society and laid the groundwork for modern feminist thought, connecting existentialism with the struggle for gender equality.
Søren kierkegaard: Søren Kierkegaard was a Danish philosopher and theologian, often regarded as the father of existentialism. He emphasized individual existence, choice, and the importance of subjective experience, laying the groundwork for later existentialist thinkers. His work reflects a deep concern with the human condition, exploring concepts like anxiety, despair, and faith.
Stream of consciousness: Stream of consciousness is a narrative technique that attempts to capture the flow of thoughts, feelings, and perceptions as they occur in the mind. This style often blurs the line between internal dialogue and external reality, allowing readers to experience a character's thought process in a more intimate and fluid manner.
The absurd: The absurd refers to the conflict between human beings' natural tendency to seek meaning in life and the cold, indifferent universe that offers none. This disconnect creates a sense of existential disillusionment, often expressed in literature and art through themes of chaos, futility, and the search for purpose. The absurd serves as a foundation for various forms of artistic expression, influencing the creation of narratives that highlight the struggles of individuals grappling with their existence.
The Bald Soprano: The Bald Soprano is a play written by Eugène Ionesco, often considered a quintessential work of the Theater of the Absurd. It showcases the breakdown of communication and the absurdity of everyday life through nonsensical dialogue and bizarre situations. The play reflects themes of existentialism and absurdism, illustrating the emptiness and futility of human existence while highlighting the limitations of language as a means of meaningful communication.
The Birthday Party: The Birthday Party is a one-act play by Harold Pinter that embodies the characteristics of the Theater of the Absurd, focusing on themes of existentialism and the absurdity of life. It features a seemingly mundane birthday celebration that devolves into chaos as characters confront their own fears, desires, and the oppressive nature of societal structures, highlighting the disorientation and uncertainty prevalent in modern existence.
The Caretaker: The caretaker is a character archetype often found in literature, representing a person who takes responsibility for the well-being and maintenance of others, typically in a nurturing or protective role. This figure can embody themes of existentialism and absurdism, reflecting the struggle for meaning in a chaotic world while also highlighting the complexity of human relationships and the burden of care.
The stranger: In literature, 'the stranger' refers to the theme of alienation and the existential condition of feeling disconnected from society and oneself. This concept is closely associated with the exploration of identity, absurdity, and the human experience, often manifesting in characters who grapple with the meaning of existence and their place in the world.
The Woman in the Dunes: The Woman in the Dunes is a novel by Japanese author Kōbō Abe, published in 1962. It tells the story of an entomologist who becomes trapped in a remote desert village where he is forced to dig sand to prevent the encroaching dunes from burying the village. This narrative explores themes of existentialism and absurdism, reflecting the struggle for meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe.
Unreliable narrators: Unreliable narrators are storytellers whose credibility is compromised, causing readers to question the truth of their accounts. This narrative technique often invites readers to engage more actively with the text, as they must sift through layers of deception, bias, or distortion to uncover the story's underlying reality. The use of unreliable narrators can heighten themes of existential uncertainty, magical realism, and feminist critiques by complicating the relationship between perception and truth.
Waiting for Godot: 'Waiting for Godot' is a play by Samuel Beckett that embodies the principles of the Theater of the Absurd, highlighting themes of existentialism, the human condition, and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe. It presents two characters, Vladimir and Estragon, who engage in meaningless conversations while waiting for a person named Godot, who never arrives, symbolizing humanity's perpetual search for purpose and understanding in life.
World War II: World War II was a global conflict that lasted from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations divided into two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis powers. This catastrophic event not only reshaped international relations and national boundaries but also significantly influenced various cultural movements, including existentialism and absurdism, leading to profound changes in literature.