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Existentialism, as a philosophical movement, has deeply influenced literature by emphasizing the significance of individual existence, freedom, and choice. While it was never a formally organized literary movement, the principles of existentialism have left an indelible mark on the works of numerous writers worldwide. This essay explores the existentialist elements in literature, particularly focusing on American authors such as William Faulkner, Ernest Hemingway, and John Steinbeck. The central theme of existentialist literature is the concept of choice, highlighting humanity's distinctive attribute—the freedom to make choices and bear the weight of their consequences.
Existentialism underscores the belief that the fundamental quality distinguishing humans from other beings is their capacity for free will and choice.
According to existentialist thinkers, our ability to make choices grants us the power to shape our destinies. However, this freedom also necessitates accepting the risks and responsibilities that come with following through on our commitments, regardless of their outcomes. American literary figures like Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson delved into these existentialist concepts, exploring the ramifications of personal choice and autonomy in their writings.
Contrary to misconceptions, existentialism is not characterized by darkness or pessimism; rather, it centers on life and the profound significance of individual existence.
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Existentialists are staunch advocates of living life authentically and embracing the challenges it presents. They believe in the inherent value of existence and the necessity of fighting for it. Existentialism, thus, emerges as a philosophy deeply rooted in vitality, emphasizing the importance of both individualism and the struggle for a meaningful life.
Existentialist writers worldwide express a diverse array of political ideologies, each seeking to maximize individual freedom within a societal framework.
Despite this diversity, existentialism consistently upholds certain core principles:
These foundational concepts of existentialism underscore its overarching concern with free will, choice, and personal accountability. Existentialists maintain that human choice is inherently subjective since individuals must make decisions based on their unique experiences, beliefs, and biases, without relying on objective truths or universal guidelines.
Existentialism asserts that human choices are subjective because they emerge from the individual's inner world, shaped by personal experiences and convictions. In this philosophical framework, objective standards such as laws, ethical rules, or traditions play no decisive role in determining one's choices. Even the act of trusting in science, often seen as a beacon of objectivity, is regarded as a "leap of faith" by existentialists. They argue that human choice is, by nature, subjective, as individuals must navigate life without external standards guiding them.
This subjective aspect of existentialism leads to the conclusion that freedom and responsibility are inextricably linked. While freedom allows individuals to make choices, it also necessitates complete responsibility for those choices. Existentialists emphasize that freedom carries an inherent burden of accountability. Furthermore, because individuals are compelled to make choices independently, they find themselves thrust into a condition of freedom—and, consequently, responsibility—without external imposition. Existentialism characterizes this condition as being "condemned to be free," highlighting the inescapable nature of individual responsibility.
Existentialist writers frequently underscore the significance of passionate individual action in matters of personal morality and truth. They argue that personal experiences and a commitment to one's convictions are essential for arriving at an authentic understanding of truth. This emphasis on lived experience and self-determined action highlights the existentialist belief that truth is a deeply personal and subjective endeavor.
Several philosophers and writers in history have contributed to the development of existentialist ideas:
The 17th-century French philosopher Blaise Pascal viewed human existence through the lens of paradoxes. He believed that truth could be apprehended not only through reason but also through the heart. Like many existentialists, Pascal acknowledged that the journey itself, rather than the ultimate destination, held intrinsic value. His perspective resonates with the modern idea that the process of decision-making is as vital as the outcomes.
Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard, often regarded as the first writer to embrace the term "existential," challenged conventional thought by asserting that an individual's highest good lies in discovering their unique vocation. Kierkegaard emphasized the importance of finding a personal truth that aligns with one's life purpose, stating, "I must find a truth that is true for me . . . the idea for which I can live or die."
The 19th-century German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche posited that moral decisions lack an objective, rational foundation. He argued that individuals, relying on their free will, must determine which situations merit moral consideration. Nietzsche famously proclaimed, "There are no facts, only interpretations." His assertion that challenges and adversity strengthen individuals, as encapsulated in the phrase, "That which does not kill me, makes me stronger," reflects his existentialist outlook.
One of the most renowned existentialist literary figures, the 19th-century Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoyevsky, explored unpredictability and self-destructive behaviors in his work "Notes from the Underground." His portrayal of the alienated anti-hero questioned the enigmatic and often irrational aspects of life, aligning closely with existentialist themes.
French writer Jean-Paul Sartre contended that individuals can will nothing without first recognizing their reliance solely on themselves. He emphasized the existentialist notion that individuals are alone and abandoned on Earth, bearing infinite responsibilities and crafting their destinies without external assistance. Sartre asserted that life lacks inherent meaning or purpose, and values are founded solely on human freedom.
It is worth noting that Jean-Paul Sartre's commitment to existentialist principles extended beyond his writing. When the Swedish Academy awarded him the Nobel Prize in Literature for his work, acknowledging its richness in ideas and dedication to freedom and truth, Sartre declined the honor. In a public announcement in 1964, he expressed his regret that his refusal had caused a scandal but clarified that it was not intended as a slight to the Swedish Academy. Sartre's refusal stemmed from his personal and philosophical convictions, as he believed that accepting such awards would compromise his role as a writer, preventing him from remaining an independent institution.
In conclusion, existentialism's influence on literature is profound, as it champions the individual's existence, freedom, and capacity for choice. While existentialism was never a formally organized literary movement, its principles have left an enduring mark on the works of writers worldwide. The central theme of existentialism revolves around the notion of choice, underlining humanity's unique ability to make decisions and assume responsibility for their consequences. Existentialism, rather than being a pessimistic philosophy, celebrates the vitality of life and encourages individuals to engage with it authentically.
Existentialism's political landscape encompasses a wide spectrum of ideologies, but its core principles remain consistent: the primacy of free will, life as a series of choices with consequences, the existence of irrational and absurd aspects of life, and the inescapable responsibility that accompanies human freedom. Existentialism challenges the objectivity of moral decisions, asserting that they are inherently subjective and reliant on individual experiences and beliefs.
Existentialism emphasizes that freedom and responsibility are inseparable, and individuals are "condemned to be free." Passionate individual action and personal experience are deemed essential in the pursuit of truth and the determination of personal morality. Philosophers and writers like Blaise Pascal, Soren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, and Jean-Paul Sartre have significantly contributed to the development of existentialist thought, each offering unique perspectives on human existence and choice.
Existentialism's enduring impact on literature and philosophy challenges us to grapple with the profound questions of existence, encouraging open-ended exploration and reflection. Ultimately, existentialism reminds us that our choices, though subjective, define the course of our lives, and the journey itself holds the key to our understanding of truth and meaning
Existentialism in Literature: Freedom, Choice, and Individualism. (2016, Nov 07). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/existentialism-in-literature-essay
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