Angst in Literature & Literary Theory

Etymology of Angst

The word “angst” derives from the German language, specifically from the Middle High German term “angest,” which means “fear” or “anxiety.” It can be traced back to the Old High German word “angust,” stemming from the Proto-Germanic root “angustaz.”

The term has evolved to encompass a broader range of emotional distress, often associated with a deep sense of existential anxiety and dread, particularly in philosophical and psychological contexts. The word gained prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, notably in the works of existentialist philosophers, such as Søren Kierkegaard and Jean-Paul Sartre, where it became emblematic of the human condition’s inherent unease and uncertainty.

Meanings of Angst

Aspect	Meaning
Existential Angst	Philosophical anxiety about life’s uncertainty and meaninglessness, explored by philosophers.
General Anxiety	Broad anxiety unrelated to existential concerns, characterized by unease or apprehension.
Deep Emotional Turmoil	Profound emotional distress, including dread, fear, and inner conflict.
Adolescent Angst	Moodiness and emotional turbulence in adolescence due to identity and societal pressures.
Cultural and Artistic Expression	Theme in literature, art, and culture representing psychological struggle in various contexts.
Psychological and Therapeutic Context	Inner turmoil in psychology and therapy, often a symptom of mental health conditions like anxiety disorders.

Definition of Angst as a Theoretical Term

Angst, as a theoretical term, is a complex and pervasive psychological phenomenon characterized by a deep and often inexplicable sense of unease, anxiety, or existential dread.

It is frequently used in philosophical and psychological contexts to describe a fundamental, underlying human disquiet related to the uncertainty and meaninglessness of life. This term, which gained prominence in existentialist thought, serves as a lens to explore the profound emotional and intellectual challenges associated with the human condition.

Angst: Theorists, Works and Arguments

Theorists:

1. Søren Kierkegaard: Kierkegaard is often regarded as one of the foundational figures in the exploration of existential angst. In his works, particularly in The Concept of Anxiety, he delves into the concept of existential angst, emphasizing the individual’s internal struggle with the anxiety of freedom and the potential despair arising from choices.
2. Friedrich Nietzsche: Nietzsche explored existential concerns and the experience of anguish in various works, notably in Thus Spoke Zarathustra, where he discussed the idea of the “overman” who confronts and transcends existential angst.
3. Jean-Paul Sartre: Sartre, a prominent existentialist philosopher, extensively examined angst in his writings. In Being and Nothingness, he argued that existential angst is a result of the realization of one’s radical freedom and the responsibility that comes with it.

Key Works:

1. Søren Kierkegaard’s The Concept of Anxiety (1844): This work is a seminal exploration of existential angst, delving into the concept of “dread” and the idea that angst is integral to the human condition.
2. Friedrich Nietzsche’s Thus Spoke Zarathustra (1883-1885): Nietzsche’s concept of the overman and the eternal recurrence is linked to the theme of existential anguish.
3. Jean-Paul Sartre’s Being and Nothingness (1943): Sartre’s existentialist philosophy, including his views on existential angst, is extensively discussed in this influential work.

Key Arguments:

1. Individual Responsibility: These theorists argue that existential angst is closely tied to the recognition of individual freedom and responsibility. It arises when individuals confront the burden of making authentic choices in the face of life’s inherent uncertainties and meaninglessness.
2. Transcendence: Existentialist thinkers often propose that confronting and embracing angst can lead to a form of transcendence, where individuals move beyond mere existence to create their own values and meanings in life.
3. Human Condition: They suggest that existential angst is a fundamental aspect of the human condition, and acknowledging it can lead to a deeper understanding of the complexities of human existence, ultimately contributing to personal growth and self-realization.

Angst and Literary Theories

1. Existentialism: Literary works that embody existentialist themes frequently delve into the concept of angst. Writers like Albert Camus and Jean-Paul Sartre use literature to depict characters facing profound existential dilemmas, grappling with the meaninglessness of life, and experiencing existential angst. For example, Camus’ novel The Stranger and Sartre’s play No Exit both reflect the theme of existential angst.
2. Modernism: The modernist literary movement often engages with existential questions and inner turmoil. Authors like Franz Kafka, in works like The Metamorphosis, and T.S. Eliot, in poems like “The Waste Land,” incorporate elements of existential angst, reflecting the disillusionment and disorientation felt in the aftermath of World War I.
3. Psychological Realism: In psychological literature and realism, characters’ internal struggles, anxieties, and emotional turmoil are central themes. Novels like Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment and Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway provide in-depth explorations of characters’ psychological angst and the impact of their internal conflicts on their lives.
4. Postmodernism: Postmodern literature often questions traditional notions of identity, meaning, and reality, leading to characters and narratives characterized by a sense of disorientation and existential angst. For instance, works like Thomas Pynchon’s The Crying of Lot 49 and Don DeLillo’s White Noise incorporate elements of existential uncertainty and anxiety.
5. Literary Criticism and Analysis: Literary theorists and critics use the concept of existential angst as a lens to interpret and analyze literary works. It provides a framework to explore the psychological depth of characters, the uncertainty of meaning, and the human condition as portrayed in various narratives.
6. Symbolism and Allegory: Authors often employ symbols and allegorical elements to convey existential angst in their works. For example, Franz Kafka’s The Trial is interpreted as an allegory of a sense of alienation and disorientation in a bureaucratic and incomprehensible world.

In these literary theories and contexts, the exploration of existential angst adds depth and complexity to characters and narratives, offering readers a deeper understanding of the human experience and the complexities of existence.

Angst in Literary Criticism

Work	Critique
The Stranger by Albert Camus	In The Stranger, Camus presents the protagonist, Meursault, as a detached and indifferent individual who faces a profound sense of existential angst. Meursault’s emotional detachment and his inability to conform to societal norms reflect the alienation and the absurdity of human existence. Literary critics often explore how Camus uses Meursault’s experiences to illustrate the futility of life and the individual’s struggle to find meaning in an indifferent world.
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky	Dostoevsky’s novel Crime and Punishment provides a rich canvas for the exploration of existential angst. The protagonist, Raskolnikov, grapples with moral dilemmas and the consequences of his actions. Literary critics analyze how Raskolnikov’s inner turmoil and moral conflict highlight the torment and suffering inherent in the human condition. The novel is often seen as a portrayal of the psychological and existential torment experienced by individuals when confronted with their own moral transgressions.
The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka	In Kafka’s The Metamorphosis, the central character, Gregor Samsa, undergoes a bizarre transformation into an insect, which serves as a powerful metaphor for alienation and existential angst. Literary critics examine how Kafka’s narrative illustrates the absurdity of life and the isolation experienced by individuals who struggle to communicate their innermost feelings. The novella is often interpreted as an exploration of the human condition, where Gregor’s transformation represents the profound alienation and estrangement felt by individuals in a modern, dehumanizing society.
The Stranger by Harlan Coben	While not to be confused with Camus’s The Stranger, Harlan Coben’s novel is also a fertile ground for exploring themes of existential angst, albeit in a contemporary context. Literary critics may discuss how Coben’s characters confront moral ambiguities, deception, and the unpredictability of life. The novel’s suspense and the characters’ dilemmas offer a lens through which to examine the complexities of human existence, where individuals must grapple with personal choices and the consequences of their actions.

Suggested Readings

1. Camus, Albert. The Myth of Sisyphus and Other Essays. Vintage, 1991.
2. Heidegger, Martin. Being and Time. Translated by John Macquarrie and Edward Robinson, Harper Perennial Modern Thought, 2008.
3. Kafka, Franz. The Metamorphosis. Translated by Stanley Corngold, Norton, 2015.
4. Kierkegaard, Søren. The Concept of Anxiety: A Simple Psychologically Orienting Deliberation on the Dogmatic Issue of Hereditary Sin. Translated by Reidar Thomte, Princeton University Press, 1980.
5. Sartre, Jean-Paul. Existentialism is a Humanism. Translated by Carol Macomber, Yale University Press, 2007.
6. Sartre, Jean-Paul. Being and Nothingness: An Essay on Phenomenological Ontology. Translated by Hazel E. Barnes, Routledge, 2018.