Absurdism in Literary Theory

Etymology of Absurdism

The term “absurdism” originated in the 1940s and is derived from the Latin word “absurdus,” which means “out of tune” or “discordant.”

It was first used by French philosopher Albert Camus to describe the philosophy behind his play “Caligula” (1944) and his novel The Stranger (1942).

Definition of Absurdism

Absurdism in literary theory is a philosophical and literary movement that asserts the inherent meaninglessness and irrationality of human existence. It often portrays characters and situations that confront the absurdity of life, emphasizing the lack of purpose or coherence in the world. Prominent absurdist works include Albert Camus’ The Stranger and Samuel Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot.”

Meanings of Absurdism

Key Meanings of Absurdism	Description
Rejection of Traditional Beliefs and Systems of Thought	– Challenges inherent meaning or purpose in life – Often rejects traditional religious and philosophical systems
Emphasis on Individual Freedom and Responsibility	– Highlights the importance of individual agency – Argues individuals must create their own meaning in life
Use of Dark Humor and Satire	– Employed to critique societal norms and conventions – Reveals the absurdity of the human condition
Exploration of Existential Themes	– Associated with existentialism – Explores themes like freedom, choice, and authenticity
Portrayal of the World as Chaotic and Irrational	– Depicts the world as chaotic and indifferent – Emphasizes the futility of imposing order and meaning
Celebration of the Absurd	– Recognizes the absurdity of human existence – Leads to a sense of liberation and freedom

Absurdism in Different Literary Theories

Theory	Explanation	Example
Existentialism	– Absurdism is linked to existentialism, focusing on the individual quest for meaning in a meaningless world.	Samuel Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot” (1953)
Postmodernism	– Absurdism is seen as a precursor to postmodernism, challenging traditional narrative and meaning.	Franz Kafka’s “The Trial” (1925)
Deconstructionism	– Deconstructionists argue language is inherently absurd, incapable of fully representing reality.	Samuel Beckett’s “Endgame” (1957)
Marxism	– Some Marxists view absurdism as a critique of societal oppression.	Eugene Ionesco’s “Rhinoceros” (1959)
Feminism	– Absurdist worldview interpreted as a response to patriarchal structures, including gender role construction.	Marguerite Duras’s “The Ravishing of Lol Stein” (1964)

Theorists on Absurdism

1. Albert Camus:
   • Explanation: French philosopher and author known for his exploration of absurdism. His novel The Stranger (1942) delves into the concept of life’s inherent meaninglessness and the necessity of rebellion against the absurdity of existence.
   • Notable Quote: “The only way to deal with the absurdity of life is to rebel against it.”
2. Samuel Beckett:
   • Explanation: An Irish playwright and novelist associated with the Theater of the Absurd. His works, such as “Waiting for Godot” (1953) and “Endgame” (1957), feature characters trapped in meaningless, repetitive routines, challenging traditional narratives.
   • Notable Quote: “Nothing is funnier than unhappiness.”
3. Eugene Ionesco:
   • Explanation: Romanian-French playwright prominent in the Theater of the Absurd. His plays, including “Rhinoceros” (1959) and “The Bald Soprano” (1950), depict characters grappling with communication and meaning in an increasingly absurd world.
   • Notable Quote: “Cut off from his religious, metaphysical and transcendental roots, man is lost; all his actions become senseless, absurd, useless.
4. Jean-Paul Sartre:
   • Explanation: A French philosopher and playwright, Sartre contributed to existentialism and absurdism. His play “No Exit” (1944) explores characters trapped in a room, confronting the meaninglessness of existence and emphasizing human freedom to create meaning.
   • Notable Quote: “Man is condemned to be free.”
5. Franz Kafka:
   • Explanation: A Czech-German novelist and short story writer, Kafka’s works, including “The Trial” (1925) and The Metamorphosis (1915), feature characters ensnared in absurd situations, often highlighting the oppressive nature of bureaucracy and social structures.
   • Notable Quote: “In man’s struggle against the world, bet on the world.”

These figures played pivotal roles in the development of absurdism as a literary and philosophical movement, each contributing unique perspectives and ideas to the exploration of the absurd in human existence.

Absurdism Examples in Literature

Extract and Reference	Explanation
“Waiting for Godot” by Samuel Beckett	– Extract: Estragon: “Let’s go.” Vladimir: “We can’t.” Estragon: “Why not?” Vladimir: “We’re waiting for Godot.” – Explanation: The play illustrates the senselessness of Vladimir and Estragon’s lives as they wait for Godot, who may never arrive, highlighting the absurdity of their existence.
The Stranger by Albert Camus	– Extract: “I opened myself to the gentle indifference of the world.”  – Explanation: The quote reflects the protagonist Meursault’s acceptance of life’s absurdity and the indifference of the universe toward human existence.
“Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead” by Tom Stoppard	– Extract: Rosencrantz: “Do you think death could possibly be a boat?” Guildenstern: “No, no, no… Death is… not. Death isn’t. You take my meaning. Death is the ultimate negative. Not-being. You can’t not be on a boat.” – Explanation: This exchange highlights the characters’ confusion about their existence and the limitations of language in expressing the ineffable, emphasizing the absurdity of their situation.
The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka	– Extract: “When Gregor Samsa woke up one morning from unsettling dreams, he found himself changed in his bed into a monstrous vermin.” – Explanation: Gregor’s transformation into an insect and the world’s treatment of him as if he were still human exemplify the absurdity in this novella.
Catch-22 by Joseph Heller	– Extract: “There was only one catch and that was Catch-22, which specified that a concern for one’s safety in the face of dangers that were real and immediate was the process of a rational mind.” – Explanation: Yossarian’s Catch-22 situation emphasizes the irrationality and absurdity of war and bureaucracy, where avoiding danger requires claiming insanity, but doing so proves sanity.

Suggested Readings

1. Beckett, Samuel. The Myth of Sisyphus and Other Essays. Vintage, 1991.
2. Camus, Albert. The Stranger. Vintage, 1989.
3. Esslin, Martin. The Theatre of the Absurd. Vintage, 2004.
4. Ionesco, Eugene. Notes and Counter Notes: Writings on the Theatre. Grove Press, 1964.
5. Kafka, Franz. The Metamorphosis. Schocken, 1995.
6. Kierkegaard, Søren. The Concept of Irony: With Continual Reference to Socrates. Harper & Row, 1965.
7. Sartre, Jean-Paul. Existentialism is a Humanism. Yale University Press, 2007.
8. Taylor, Mark C. The Moment of Complexity: Emerging Network Culture. University of Chicago Press, 2003.