Existentialism

Introduction

Existentialism as a literary device taps into the philosophical theory centered around free will, choice, and personal responsibility. This approach delves into the human condition, focusing on the individual’s quest for self-definition in a seemingly indifferent universe. Existentialist literature often examines themes of alienation, freedom, and the absence of divine meaning, emphasizing the individual’s struggle to create meaning in an arbitrary world. The narratives typically showcase characters grappling with existential crises, reflecting deep philosophical contemplations about life, purpose, and identity.

Pronunciation:
\eks·is·ten·shuh·liz·uhm\

When do writers use Existentialism literary device?

Writers deploy existentialism in their works to explore complex questions about human existence and to challenge readers to think about life’s deeper meanings and the consequences of their choices. It is especially prevalent in scenarios where characters face significant internal or external turmoil that prompts questions about personal identity, morality, and existence itself. This device is powerful in stories where the narrative is driven by characters’ inner conflicts rather than external actions, providing a rich ground for exploring philosophical dilemmas and the human emotional spectrum.

Rules for using Existentialism literary device

When using existentialism as a literary device, consider the following guidelines to ensure its effective integration into your narrative:

1. Focus on Character Development: Central to existentialist literature is the depth of character exploration. Characters should be depicted wrestling with significant personal or philosophical questions, often arising from events that disrupt their usual perspective on life.
2. Emphasize Freedom and Choice: Highlight the characters’ autonomy in their decisions and the weight of the consequences that follow. This underscores the existentialist belief in the primacy of individual choice.
3. Portray the Absurd: Incorporate situations where the world appears illogical or absurd, forcing characters to confront the unpredictability of existence and their roles within it.
4. Reflect on Existence: Use introspective monologues or dialogues that delve into existential themes such as meaninglessness, isolation, despair, and the search for purpose.
5. Avoid Easy Answers: Existentialism thrives on ambiguity and complexity. Avoid resolving characters’ struggles with simple solutions; instead, let them face the intricacies of their dilemmas.

Implementing these principles can lead to a profound narrative depth, pulling readers into the existential inquiries that drive the characters and, by extension, the story itself.

Types of Existentialism

Existentialism branches into several types, each with its own unique focus and philosophical underpinnings:

1. Atheistic Existentialism: This form, championed by Jean-Paul Sartre and Friedrich Nietzsche, denies any divine existence, arguing that life has no predetermined meaning and that individuals must create their own meaning through choices and actions.
2. Theistic Existentialism: In contrast, theistic existentialists like Søren Kierkegaard believe that God exists but that individuals are still responsible for giving their own lives meaning and living authentically in relation to God.
3. Absurdist Existentialism: Led by thinkers like Albert Camus, this subtype focuses on the conflict between humans’ natural tendency to seek inherent value and meaning in life and the cold, indifferent universe that offers none. It often leads to the conclusion that life is absurd, yet one should embrace the absurdity without resignation.
4. Existential Phenomenology: This approach, primarily associated with Martin Heidegger, merges existentialism with phenomenology and focuses on the detailed examination of individual experiences and the essence of being.

Existentialism in Literature

Existentialism has been explored extensively in literature, often delving into themes of alienation, freedom, and the search for meaning. Here are some famous examples:

• “Nausea” by Jean-Paul Sartre: This novel is considered a seminal existentialist work, where the protagonist grapples with the absurdity of existence.
• “The Stranger” by Albert Camus: A classic of existential literature, this book explores the life of an indifferent French Algerian who confronts his own philosophical despair.
• “The Trial” by Franz Kafka: Although Kafka predates existentialism as a named movement, his works are often seen as embodying existential themes, including absurdity and the illogical nature of society.
• “Crime and Punishment” by Fyodor Dostoevsky: This novel addresses the existential struggle of its main character, Raskolnikov, with morality, guilt, and redemption.

Existentialism in Children’s Books

Existentialism can also be found in children’s literature, subtly woven into narratives that explore meaning, identity, and the essence of being. Some notable examples include:

• “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry: This tale delves into themes of loneliness, friendship, love, and the search for meaning in a vast universe.
• “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak: A story about a boy navigating through his emotions and finding his place in the world, touching on themes of anger, solitude, and reconciliation.
• “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White: While primarily a story about friendship and sacrifice, it also contemplates existential questions of life, death, and purpose through the characters’ interactions.

Existentialism in Poetry

Existential themes are a rich vein in poetry, where poets often express the solitude, angst, and search for meaning that characterize existential thought. Some renowned existential poems include:

• “The Waste Land” by T.S. Eliot: This poem captures the desolation and disillusionment of the modern world, reflecting existential concerns of meaninglessness.
• “Song of Myself” by Walt Whitman: Although it predates the formal existential movement, this poem explores the self and the individual’s relation to society and the universe in a manner that resonates with existential themes.
• “No Exit” by Jean-Paul Sartre: Technically a play, it is often studied as a poetic and philosophical text, famous for its exploration of hell as other people, encapsulating the existential belief in the hellish consequences of human interaction.

Existentialism in Songs

Existentialism has influenced many artists across genres, leading to songs that contemplate life, meaning, and individual choice. Here are 10 famous examples:

1. “Let It Be” by The Beatles – Reflecting on acceptance and moving through difficult times with a sense of peace.
2. “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen – A complex narrative exploring fate, identity, and remorse.
3. “The Sound of Silence” by Simon & Garfunkel – Delving into themes of isolation and the inability to communicate meaningfully.
4. “Is That All There Is?” by Peggy Lee – A song that questions the meaning of life and experiences in a disillusioned tone.
5. “Losing My Religion” by R.E.M. – Touching on doubt, crisis of faith, and personal searching.
6. “Time” by Pink Floyd – Discusses the passage of time and the existential dread of wasted opportunities.
7. “Nothing Else Matters” by Metallica – Centers on authenticity and prioritizing what truly matters individually.
8. “Hurt” by Nine Inch Nails (also famously covered by Johnny Cash) – A contemplation on pain, regret, and existence.
9. “Yesterday” by The Beatles – Reflects on change and loss, pondering over the transient nature of life.
10. “Mad World” by Tears for Fears – Explores feelings of confusion and disillusionment with the world.

Existentialism in Movies

Existentialism is a prevalent theme in many influential films, often exploring human freedom, choice, and the search for meaning. Here are some notable examples:

1. “Fight Club” (1999) – Examines identity, freedom, and the constructs of society.
2. “The Seventh Seal” (1957) – Centers on a knight questioning life, death, and the existence of God amidst the Black Plague.
3. “Blade Runner” (1982) – Explores what it means to be human through the eyes of replicants.
4. “Groundhog Day” (1993) – A man relives the same day repeatedly, leading to existential reflections on life and personal change.
5. “No Country for Old Men” (2007) – Contemplates fate, free will, and the nature of evil.
6. “The Matrix” (1999) – Questions reality and the freedom of the human condition.
7. “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” (2004) – Explores memory and identity through the deliberate erasure of memories.
8. “Birdman” (2014) – Deals with relevance, existence, and the human ego in the context of an aging actor.
9. “Into the Wild” (2007) – Follows a young man’s quest to find meaning through isolation and nature.
10. “Taxi Driver” (1976) – A deep dive into the psyche of a man as he confronts the urban decay and moral dissolution around him.

Famous Movie Line Highlighting Existentialism

“It’s only after we’ve lost everything that we’re free to do anything.” – From Fight Club.

Relevant Movie Clip Demonstrating Existentialism

A relevant clip illustrating existential themes would be from The Matrix, specifically the scene where Morpheus offers Neo the choice between the red pill and the blue pill, representing the choice between an uncomfortable truth and blissful ignorance.

Existentialism in Advertising

Existential themes in advertising are less common, but when they appear, they often provoke deep thought or emphasize authentic living. Examples include:

1. Levi’s “Go Forth” Campaign – Using Walt Whitman’s poetry, this campaign was imbued with themes of pioneering spirit and individualism.
2. Apple’s “Think Different” Campaign – Celebrating the ‘crazy ones’, those who see things differently and push the human race forward, which aligns with existential values of individuality and rejecting the status quo.
3. Nike’s “Just Do It” Slogan – Encourages taking action and personal accountability, resonating with existential beliefs in self-determination and choice.

Existentialism Related Literary Devices

Existentialism often employs several literary devices to convey its themes:

1. Absurdism – Portrays life as inherently devoid of purpose as a challenge to traditional narratives about meaning.
2. Alienation – Characters are frequently depicted as isolated from society or alienated from their own feelings and desires, emphasizing the solitude of human existence.
3. Stream of Consciousness – A narrative mode that attempts to capture the myriad thoughts and feelings which pass through the mind to represent the complexity of human consciousness.
4. Symbolism – Uses symbols to represent ideas or concepts, providing deeper meanings about existence and human experience.
5. Tragic Hero – A protagonist who is destined for downfall through their own actions, often used to explore the limits of human agency and fatal flaws.

These devices help writers and poets delve deeply into existential themes, making their works rich and thought-provoking.