Literature often explores the depths of human existence and one of the lens through which this exploration has happened is through Existentialism.
We find characteristics of existentialism in literature throughout many literary works each giving us insight into the human condition. From the depths of existential angst to the relentless pursuit of authenticity, existential themes have always resonated deeply with readers.
In this article, we delve into the various characteristics of existentialism in literature, drawing examples from renowned literary works to illuminate existential thought and expression.
So, should we dive in?
Characteristics of Existentialism in Literature
#1. Existential Angst
Existential angst, a hallmark of existentialism in literature, reflects the profound sense of anxiety and unease that individuals experience when confronted with the absurdity and meaninglessness of existence. This existential dread often permeates through characters’ thoughts, actions, and interactions, highlighting the inherent struggle to find purpose and significance in a seemingly indifferent universe.
Example
In Albert Camus’ “The Stranger,” the protagonist, Meursault, grapples with an overwhelming sense of existential angst as he confronts the absurdity of life and the inevitability of death, ultimately leading to his detachment from societal norms and moral conventions.
#2. Freedom and Choice
Freedom and choice lie at the heart of existentialism in literature, emphasizing the individual’s autonomy and responsibility in shaping their own existence. Characters are often portrayed navigating through a labyrinth of decisions, each bearing the weight of their ultimate freedom to choose their path. This freedom, however, is not without its existential consequences, as the burden of choice can evoke feelings of uncertainty and existential dread.
Example
Fyodor Dostoevsky’s “Notes from Underground” delves into the complexities of freedom and choice through the narrator’s introspective musings, highlighting the paradoxical nature of human agency and its consequences on individual identity and existential fulfillment.
#3. Absurdity of Life
Existentialism in literature confronts the absurdity of life head-on, challenging traditional notions of meaning and rationality. Characters often find themselves grappling with the inexplicable and irrational aspects of existence, questioning the underlying purpose in a world devoid of inherent meaning. This confrontation with the absurd serves as a catalyst for existential introspection and philosophical inquiry.
Example
Samuel Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot” epitomizes the absurdity of life through its portrayal of two characters, Vladimir and Estragon, endlessly waiting for a mysterious figure named Godot. Their futile quest underscores the existential absurdity of human existence, where hopelessness and meaninglessness pervade every moment.
#4. Search for Authenticity
Existentialism in literature underscores the relentless pursuit of authenticity amidst a world characterized by conformity and societal expectations. Characters often find themselves torn between societal norms and their innermost desires, grappling with the authenticity of their identity and purpose. This search for authenticity serves as a central theme in existential literature, reflecting the inherent tension between individuality and societal conformity.
Example
J.D. Salinger’s “The Catcher in the Rye” follows the protagonist, Holden Caulfield, as he rebels against societal conventions and embarks on a quest for authenticity and genuine human connection in a world he perceives as phony and artificial.
#5. Existential Crisis
Existentialism in literature frequently explores the depths of the existential crisis, a profound moment of reckoning where individuals confront the fundamental questions of existence and meaning. Characters grapple with feelings of nihilism, alienation, and existential despair, as they navigate through the complexities of human experience in search of existential clarity and resolution.
Example
Franz Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis” delves into the existential crisis of its protagonist, Gregor Samsa, who wakes up one morning to find himself transformed into a giant insect. Through Gregor’s surreal and isolating experience, Kafka explores themes of identity, alienation, and the existential absurdity of human existence.
#6. Alienation from Society
Alienation from society is a recurring theme in existential literature, depicting the profound sense of isolation and estrangement that individuals experience in the modern world. Characters often find themselves disconnected from the fabric of society, unable to find belonging or meaningful connections amidst the existential void. This alienation serves as a poignant reflection of the existential condition, highlighting the struggle to find authentic human connection in a fragmented and impersonal world.
Example
In Franz Kafka’s “The Trial,” the protagonist, Josef K., grapples with overwhelming feelings of alienation and disconnection as he navigates through a labyrinthine legal system that seems indifferent to his existence. Kafka’s portrayal of societal alienation underscores the existential absurdity of human existence and the inherent isolation of the individual within society.
#7. Moral Ambiguity
Existential literature often explores the inherent moral ambiguity of human existence, challenging traditional notions of right and wrong. Characters are confronted with ethical dilemmas and moral gray areas, where the boundaries between good and evil blur, leaving them grappling with the complexities of moral responsibility and existential choice. This moral ambiguity serves as a catalyst for existential introspection and philosophical inquiry, probing the depths of human morality and ethical decision-making.
Example
In Albert Camus’ “The Plague,” the residents of the fictional town of Oran face a moral crisis when confronted with a deadly plague outbreak. As they grapple with questions of morality and survival, Camus highlights the moral ambiguity of human existence, where individuals must navigate through ethical dilemmas and existential uncertainty in the face of adversity.
#8. Individual Experience
Existentialism in literature emphasizes the significance of individual experience and subjective perception in shaping one’s understanding of reality. Characters often find themselves immersed in the richness of their own subjective worlds, grappling with the complexities of identity, consciousness, and personal meaning. This emphasis on individual experience underscores the existential notion that each individual’s reality is inherently unique and subjective, shaped by their personal history, emotions, and perceptions.
Example
Virginia Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway” offers a vivid exploration of individual experience through the stream-of-consciousness narrative technique, delving into the inner thoughts and emotions of its characters as they navigate through a single day in post-World War I London. Woolf’s portrayal of individual consciousness highlights the subjective nature of reality and the existential quest for personal meaning amidst the complexities of modern life.
#9. Introspection and Self-Reflection
Introspection and self-reflection are integral components of existential literature, as characters grapple with the complexities of their own inner worlds and existential dilemmas. Through moments of introspective contemplation, characters confront their deepest fears, desires, and existential uncertainties, embarking on a journey of self-discovery and existential awakening. This introspective exploration serves as a catalyst for existential growth and personal transformation, as characters confront the fundamental questions of existence and identity.
Example
Sylvia Plath’s “The Bell Jar” offers a raw and introspective portrayal of its protagonist, Esther Greenwood, as she navigates through the complexities of mental illness and existential despair. Through Esther’s introspective musings, Plath delves into themes of identity, alienation, and the search for meaning in a world fraught with existential uncertainty.
#10. Emphasis on the Present
Existentialism in literature often emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment, as characters confront the fleeting nature of existence and the inevitability of mortality. By embracing the present moment, characters seek to find meaning and fulfillment in the here and now, rather than dwelling on the uncertainties of the past or future. This emphasis on the present serves as a powerful reminder of the transient nature of life and the importance of seizing the moment in the face of existential uncertainty.
Example
Jack Kerouac’s “On the Road” encapsulates the existential ethos of living in the present moment through its portrayal of the protagonist, Sal Paradise, as he embarks on a cross-country journey of self-discovery and existential exploration. Kerouac’s vivid descriptions of the American landscape and Sal’s encounters with various characters underscore the fleeting nature of existence and the existential imperative to embrace the present moment in all its richness and complexity.
#11. Skepticism of Authority
Skepticism of authority is a prevalent theme in existential literature, reflecting the existential distrust of institutional power and societal norms. Characters often find themselves questioning the legitimacy of authority figures and challenging the oppressive structures that seek to impose conformity and control. This skepticism serves as a catalyst for existential rebellion and individual autonomy, as characters assert their agency in the face of oppressive systems of power.
Example
George Orwell’s “1984” offers a chilling portrayal of a dystopian society ruled by a totalitarian regime that seeks to control every aspect of its citizens’ lives. Through the protagonist, Winston Smith, Orwell explores themes of individual freedom and resistance against authoritarian oppression, highlighting the existential imperative to challenge the legitimacy of oppressive authority and assert one’s autonomy in the face of existential tyranny.
#12. Inevitability of Death
The inevitability of death looms large in existential literature, serving as a constant reminder of the finite nature of human existence. Characters grapple with the existential angst and dread that accompany the awareness of their own mortality, confronting the existential absurdity of life’s impermanence. This confrontation with death serves as a catalyst for existential introspection and philosophical inquiry, as characters seek to find meaning and significance in the face of the ultimate existential certainty.
Example
Leo Tolstoy’s “The Death of Ivan Ilyich” offers a profound meditation on the inevitability of death and the existential crisis that accompanies the protagonist’s terminal illness. As Ivan Ilyich confronts his own mortality, Tolstoy delves into themes of existential despair and the search for meaning in the face of death’s inexorable approach. Through Ivan’s introspective journey, Tolstoy underscores the existential imperative to confront the reality of death and find meaning and fulfillment in the finite moments of existence.
Closing Thoughts
In conclusion, the characteristics of existentialism in literature offer a profound exploration of the human condition, inviting readers to confront the complexities of existence with courage and introspection.
From the existential angst that pervades our deepest fears to the relentless pursuit of authenticity amidst societal conformity, existential literature serves as a mirror to our existential dilemmas and philosophical inquiries.
Through the lens of existentialism, we are reminded of the inherent absurdity of life, the inevitability of death, and the imperative to embrace the present moment with authenticity and courage.