Existentialism

Definition

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that focuses on individual freedom, choice, and existence, emphasizing the inherent meaninglessness of life and the responsibility of individuals to create their own meaning. This perspective encourages a deep exploration of personal experience and the subjective nature of reality, often grappling with themes of alienation, despair, and the absurd. In literature, existentialism often challenges traditional narratives and structures, inviting readers to engage with characters who confront their own existence and make choices that define their identity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Existentialism emerged in the 20th century as a response to the disillusionment following World War II, reflecting deep concerns about individual agency and authenticity.
2. John Fowles' works often highlight existential themes through characters who confront choices that define their existence, reflecting their struggles against societal norms.
3. The concept of 'the absurd' is integral to existentialism, illustrating the conflict between humans’ search for meaning and an indifferent universe, often represented in Fowles' metafictional style.
4. Existentialist literature often breaks conventional narrative forms, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences and choices as they engage with the text.
5. Fowles uses metafiction to blur the line between author and character, encouraging readers to consider how both are implicated in the act of creation and meaning-making.

Review Questions

• How does John Fowles' portrayal of characters illustrate key principles of existentialism?
  • Fowles portrays characters who face profound choices that reflect their struggles for authenticity and meaning. These characters often grapple with societal expectations while seeking personal freedom, highlighting existential themes of alienation and the search for identity. By placing them in situations where they must confront their own existence, Fowles invites readers to examine the implications of choice and personal responsibility.
• Discuss how Fowles utilizes metafictional elements to enhance existential themes in his works.
  • Fowles employs metafictional techniques to create self-aware narratives that challenge traditional storytelling. This approach allows him to blur the lines between authorial control and character agency, reflecting existential ideas about authorship and meaning-making. By reminding readers that they are engaging with a constructed narrative, Fowles encourages deeper reflection on how characters navigate their own existence within a seemingly arbitrary universe.
• Evaluate the significance of absurdity in Fowles' works and how it relates to existentialist thought.
  • The significance of absurdity in Fowles' works lies in its ability to capture the inherent chaos and lack of meaning in human existence. By portraying characters confronted with absurd situations, Fowles highlights their struggle to find purpose amid this chaos. This aligns closely with existentialist thought, which posits that individuals must create their own meaning despite an indifferent universe. Through this lens, Fowles challenges readers to reflect on their own lives and choices while navigating a world that often seems devoid of clear answers.

Related terms

Absurdism: A philosophical perspective that suggests human beings exist in a purposeless, chaotic universe and explores the conflict between the human tendency to seek inherent value and meaning in life and the silent, indifferent universe.

Alienation:

A feeling of disconnection or estrangement from oneself or society, commonly explored in existentialist literature as characters navigate their identities within an often uncaring world.

Authenticity: The degree to which one is true to their own personality, spirit, or character despite external pressures, which is a central theme in existentialist thought as individuals strive to live genuinely.