Existentialism in Literature

Introduction: Existentialism in Literature

Existentialism in literature is a compelling and influential philosophical and literary movement that emerged in the 20th century, predominantly in Europe. It focuses on the individual’s experience of existence and grapples with the profound questions of freedom, choice, and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent or absurd world. Rooted in the works of philosophers like Søren Kierkegaard and Friedrich Nietzsche, existentialism gained prominence through the writings of Jean-Paul Sartre, Albert Camus, and Simone de Beauvoir. These literary figures explored the themes of existential anxiety, authenticity, and the human struggle to define one’s own existence, making existentialism a foundational perspective in the interpretation and analysis of literature, particularly in examining the complexities of the human condition.

Criticism Against Existentialism in Literature

1. Obscurity and Complexity: Critics argue that existentialist literature can be overly complex and obscure, making it difficult for readers to access and appreciate. The abstract philosophical concepts and dense prose used by existentialist writers can alienate some readers.
2. Pessimism and Nihilism: Existentialist literature is often criticized for its perceived pessimism and nihilism. Some argue that it portrays a bleak view of human existence, emphasizing the absurdity of life and the lack of inherent meaning, which can be disheartening for readers.
3. Individualism at the Expense of Society: Critics contend that existentialism can prioritize individualism to the detriment of addressing societal issues. The intense focus on personal existential crises may lead to a lack of engagement with broader social, political, and ethical concerns.
4. Lack of Diversity: Existentialism has been criticized for its Eurocentric origins and its limited representation of diverse voices and experiences. Critics argue that it may not adequately address the existential concerns of individuals from different cultural backgrounds.
5. Overemphasis on Alienation: Some critics suggest that existentialist literature tends to overemphasize themes of alienation and isolation, which may not fully represent the complexity of human relationships and social bonds.
6. Challenging Language and Accessibility: Existentialist texts are often written in a challenging and philosophical language, which can alienate readers who are not well-versed in philosophical discourse, making the literature less accessible to a broader audience.
7. Lack of Resolution: Existentialist works often leave readers with open-ended conclusions and unresolved questions, which can be frustrating for those seeking more traditional narrative closure.

While these criticisms are valid concerns, it is important to note that existentialist literature has also garnered significant praise for its depth, introspection, and exploration of fundamental questions about human existence. Ultimately, the value of existentialist literature is a matter of personal interpretation and perspective.

Existentialism in Literature: Critiques of Selected Works

Work	Critique
The Stranger by Albert Camus	Meursault, the novel’s protagonist, is often criticized for his emotional detachment and lack of moral compass, making it challenging for readers to connect with his existential journey and moral ambiguity.
Nausea by Jean-Paul Sartre	Roquentin, the main character, engages in obsessive introspection, which some readers find excessive and alienating. The seemingly aimless plot, although intended to reflect existential angst, can lead to a sense of frustration in some readers.
No Exit by Jean-Paul Sartre	The play’s characters, Inez, Garcin, and Estelle, engage in overtly philosophical dialogue, which some critics find didactic and contrived, potentially affecting the authenticity of their interactions in the play.
The Plague by Albert Camus	Some readers and critics find the character development in the novel to be lacking, with characters like Dr. Rieux and Tarrou remaining thinly portrayed. The narrative’s focus on the plague’s progression and the philosophical questions it raises may overshadow the depth of individual character exploration.
The Fall by Albert Camus	The reliance on the single narrator, Jean-Baptiste Clamence, and the confessional style of the novel can limit the scope and engagement for some readers, as the narrative predominantly reflects one character’s perspective.
The Waste Land by T.S. Eliot	While celebrated for its modernist approach, “The Waste Land” has been criticized for its fragmented narrative structure, extensive allusions, and elusive symbolism, which can pose challenges for readers in deciphering its meaning and coherence.
Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett	Although highly regarded, the play has been critiqued for its repetitive and seemingly meaningless dialogue, with characters Vladimir and Estragon often waiting for a character named Godot, leading to questions about the play’s ultimate message and the engagement of its audience.

Existentialism in Literature: Suggested Readings

Books:

1. Camus, Albert. The Myth of Sisyphus. Vintage, 1991.
2. De Beauvoir, Simone. The Ethics of Ambiguity. Citadel Press, 1998.
3. Kierkegaard, Søren. Fear and Trembling. Penguin Classics, 1986.
4. Nietzsche, Friedrich. Thus Spoke Zarathustra. Penguin Classics, 1969.
5. Sartre, Jean-Paul. Being and Nothingness. Washington Square Press, 1993.
6. Sartre, Jean-Paul. Existentialism is a Humanism. Yale University Press, 2007.
7. Sartre, Jean-Paul. Nausea. New Directions, 2007.
8. Camus, Albert. The Rebel. Vintage, 1991.

Articles and Essays:

• Flynn, Thomas R. “Existentialism.” The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Stanford University, 2018, plato.stanford.edu/archives/fall2018/entries/existentialism/.
• Macquarrie, John. “Existentialism.” The Blackwell Companion to Modern Theology, edited by Gareth Jones, Blackwell Publishers, 2004, pp. 322-335.
• Solomon, Robert C. “Existentialism.” The Oxford Companion to Philosophy, Oxford University Press, 2005, pp. 276-281.