Existentialist Philosophy’s Influence on Literary Themes: Freedom, Responsibility, Authenticity. (A Lecture from Dr. Existential Dread)
(Cue dramatic organ music and a single spotlight)
Alright, settle down, settle down! Welcome, my dear students of the absurd! I am Dr. Existential Dread, and I’m here to drag you, kicking and screaming perhaps, into the glorious, terrifying world of existentialism. Today, we’re dissecting how this delightful philosophy worms its way into the heart of literature, twisting the very fabric of narrative around the thorny concepts of freedom, responsibility, and authenticity.
(Adjusts oversized glasses and sips from a suspiciously dark coffee mug)
Now, before you all start frantically searching for the nearest exit, let me assure you: this won’t be entirely depressing. We’ll have laughs! We’ll have existential crises! We’ll probably have at least one student question the meaning of their own shoe laces! It’s all part of the fun.
(Paces dramatically)
So, what is existentialism? Well, it’s not just wearing black turtlenecks and smoking clove cigarettes (although, that is a solid start). At its core, existentialism is a philosophy that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice. It’s a radical assertion that you are responsible for creating meaning in a meaningless universe. That’s right, no pre-packaged purpose, no divine blueprint. You’re on your own, kiddo. 😥
(Gestures wildly)
Imagine the universe as a giant, empty stage. We, the players, are thrown onto it with no script, no director, and a distinct lack of decent costumes. What do we do? We improvise! We write our own damn play! And that, my friends, is both exhilarating and utterly terrifying.
(Pulls up a slide with a picture of a confused-looking frog on a lily pad)
Think of it this way:
| Concept | Explanation | Analogy |
|---|---|---|
| Existence Precedes Essence | We exist first, then we define ourselves through our actions. | A frog exists before it decides to be a prince (or just a really good hopper). |
| Freedom | We are radically free to choose, even to choose not to choose. | Choosing what flavor of ice cream, even when there are 31 flavors! |
| Responsibility | We are responsible for all our choices and their consequences. | Spilling that ice cream? You clean it up! 🍦 |
| Authenticity | Living in accordance with one’s own values and choices, even when it’s difficult. | Being true to your favorite ice cream flavor, even if everyone else hates it. |
| Absurdity | The inherent conflict between our desire for meaning and the meaninglessness of the universe. | Trying to find a logical reason why sprinkles taste so good. |
(Clears throat)
Now, how does this philosophical head trip translate into the hallowed halls of literature? Let’s explore!
I. Freedom: The Double-Edged Sword ⚔️
Existentialist literature often explores the burden of freedom. It’s not just about being able to order whatever you want on the menu; it’s about the crushing weight of having to define yourself in a world devoid of inherent meaning. Characters struggle with the paralyzing realization that anything is possible, and therefore, nothing truly matters.
(Pulls up a slide with a picture of Albert Camus)
Think about Albert Camus’ The Stranger. Meursault is the poster child for existential freedom (or perhaps, existential apathy). He doesn’t conform to societal expectations. He doesn’t cry at his mother’s funeral. He kills a man, seemingly without a clear motive. He’s detached, indifferent, and utterly free from the constraints of conventional morality.
(Raises an eyebrow)
But is this freedom liberating, or isolating? Is Meursault a revolutionary, or a sociopath? Camus leaves us to grapple with these questions, highlighting the ambiguous nature of freedom.
(Writes on the whiteboard: "Freedom = Choice = Anxiety")
The equation is simple: more freedom equals more choices, and more choices lead to… you guessed it… more anxiety! Existentialist characters are often plagued by this angst, paralyzed by the possibilities and terrified of making the wrong decision.
(Examples of Freedom in Literature)
| Book | Character(s) | Exploration of Freedom |
|---|---|---|
| The Stranger (Albert Camus) | Meursault | Meursault’s detached indifference to societal norms and his spontaneous actions highlight the burden and potential emptiness of radical freedom. |
| Notes from Underground (Dostoevsky) | The Underground Man | The Underground Man rebels against reason and conformity, embracing irrationality and self-destruction as a means of asserting his freedom, even if it leads to suffering. |
| One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (Ken Kesey) | Randle McMurphy | McMurphy challenges the oppressive rules of the mental institution, embodying a rebellious spirit that fights for individual freedom against societal control. |
| The Handmaid’s Tale (Margaret Atwood) | Offred | Offred’s limited freedom in Gilead highlights the devastating consequences of a society that denies individual autonomy and forces conformity. Her internal rebellion is a testament to the human desire for freedom. |
(Leans in conspiratorially)
Ever feel overwhelmed by the choices on Netflix? That’s existential angst, my friends. Embrace it! Or, you know, just pick something and commit. The universe won’t judge you… probably.
II. Responsibility: You Break It, You Buy It (Existentially Speaking) 🔨
With great freedom comes… you guessed it… great responsibility! Existentialism insists that we are fully responsible for our choices and their consequences. We can’t blame our parents, our upbringing, or even the stars for our actions. We are the authors of our own lives, and we must own our narratives, even the messy, embarrassing chapters.
(Pulls up a slide with a picture of Jean-Paul Sartre)
Jean-Paul Sartre, that charming Frenchman with a penchant for philosophy and berets, famously argued that we are "condemned to be free." Think about that for a second. Condemned! It’s not a gift, it’s a life sentence! We are forced to choose, and with each choice, we shape our own existence.
(Writes on the whiteboard: "Responsibility = Choice + Consequences")
This concept is particularly potent in post-war literature. Authors grappled with the moral implications of the war, questioning individual responsibility in the face of collective atrocities. How could individuals reconcile their actions (or inaction) with the horrors that unfolded?
(Examples of Responsibility in Literature)
| Book | Character(s) | Exploration of Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| The Trial (Franz Kafka) | Josef K. | Josef K.’s arrest and trial for an unknown crime highlight the individual’s helplessness in the face of an absurd and incomprehensible system. However, he is still held responsible, forcing him to confront his own culpability, even if he doesn’t understand the charges. |
| Crime and Punishment (Fyodor Dostoevsky) | Raskolnikov | Raskolnikov’s murder of the pawnbroker forces him to confront the psychological and moral consequences of his actions, highlighting the inescapable weight of responsibility and the search for redemption. |
| The Plague (Albert Camus) | Dr. Rieux | Dr. Rieux’s dedication to fighting the plague embodies a sense of moral responsibility in the face of an absurd and indifferent universe. He chooses to act, even when the outcome is uncertain, highlighting the importance of human solidarity and individual action in the face of crisis. |
| Sophie’s Choice (William Styron) | Sophie Zawistowska | Sophie’s horrific choice in Auschwitz forces her to live with the unbearable weight of responsibility for saving one child over another, illustrating the devastating consequences of impossible choices made under extreme duress. |
(Snaps fingers)
Ever blamed your alarm clock for being late to class? That’s shirking responsibility! Own your tardiness! Admit you hit the snooze button five times! The universe will respect your honesty… or at least, your professor might.
III. Authenticity: Be Yourself… Unless You Suck. Then Be Someone Else. (Just Kidding!) 🎭
Authenticity, in existential terms, is about living in accordance with your own values and choices, rather than conforming to societal expectations or blindly accepting pre-determined roles. It’s about being true to yourself, even when it’s difficult or unpopular.
(Pulls up a slide with a picture of Simone de Beauvoir)
Simone de Beauvoir, the intellectual powerhouse and partner in philosophical crime with Sartre, explored the concept of authenticity extensively, particularly in relation to women. She argued that women were often pressured to conform to societal expectations of femininity, hindering their ability to live authentically.
(Writes on the whiteboard: "Authenticity = Being True to Yourself = Rejecting Bad Faith")
"Bad faith," in existential terms, is denying your freedom and responsibility by pretending to be something you’re not. It’s like wearing a mask and forgetting that you have a face underneath.
(Examples of Authenticity in Literature)
| Book | Character(s) | Exploration of Authenticity |
|---|---|---|
| Siddhartha (Hermann Hesse) | Siddhartha | Siddhartha’s journey of self-discovery involves rejecting traditional teachings and embracing personal experience as the path to enlightenment, highlighting the importance of finding one’s own truth rather than blindly following dogma. |
| The Bell Jar (Sylvia Plath) | Esther Greenwood | Esther’s struggle with depression and societal expectations reflects a search for authenticity and a rejection of the roles prescribed to women in the 1950s. Her breakdown is a result of the pressure to conform and the suppression of her true self. |
| To Kill a Mockingbird (Harper Lee) | Atticus Finch | Atticus Finch’s unwavering commitment to justice and equality, even in the face of prejudice and social pressure, embodies authenticity and moral integrity. He lives according to his own principles, regardless of the consequences. |
| Fight Club (Chuck Palahniuk) | The Narrator/Tyler Durden | The Narrator’s struggle with consumerism and societal alienation leads him to create Tyler Durden, a rebellious alter ego who embodies a desire for authenticity and freedom from societal constraints, albeit in a destructive and ultimately unsustainable way. |
(Looks directly at the audience)
Ever pretended to like a band just to impress someone? That’s bad faith! Embrace your love for cheesy pop music! The universe will forgive your questionable taste… eventually.
(Paces again)
So, what’s the takeaway from all this existential mumbo jumbo?
- Freedom is a burden, but also a privilege. Embrace the chaos!
- Responsibility is unavoidable. Own your mistakes!
- Authenticity is a lifelong quest. Be yourself, unapologetically!
(Pulls up a concluding slide: a picture of a person shrugging with a knowing smile)
Ultimately, existentialist literature reminds us that we are all works in progress, constantly defining ourselves through our choices. There is no right or wrong answer, no pre-determined path. The only thing that matters is that we are living authentically, taking responsibility for our actions, and embracing the freedom to create our own meaning in a meaningless world.
(Bows dramatically)
Now, go forth and ponder the absurdity of it all! And please, try not to have an existential crisis during your lunch break.
(The dramatic organ music swells as the spotlight fades.)
(Post-Lecture Q&A – Hypothetical, of course!)
Student 1 (Wearing a black turtleneck): Dr. Dread, isn’t all this existential talk just incredibly depressing?
Dr. Dread: (Chuckles) My dear student, it can be! But it’s also incredibly liberating! Once you accept the absurdity of it all, you can stop searching for external validation and start creating your own meaning. Think of it as a cosmic permission slip to be weird!
Student 2 (Looking concerned): But what if I make the wrong choices?
Dr. Dread: (Shrugs) Then you learn from them! There’s no such thing as a perfect life, only a series of choices and consequences. Embrace the imperfections! They’re what make you, you!
Student 3 (Scrolling through their phone): So, basically, existentialism is just an excuse to be a nihilist?
Dr. Dread: (Raises an eyebrow) Woah there! Nihilism is the belief that nothing has meaning or value. Existentialism, on the other hand, argues that we create meaning! It’s the difference between saying "nothing matters, so I’ll do nothing" and "nothing inherently matters, so I’ll create something that does!" Big difference!
(Dr. Dread smiles enigmatically and disappears in a puff of (metaphorical) smoke.)
