Being in Literature & Literary Theory

Being: Introduction

The concept of “being” is a foundational and multidimensional philosophical idea that has captivated the minds of thinkers throughout history. At its core, it encompasses the fundamental inquiry into the nature of existence and the essence of what it means to “be.”

This concept has yielded a rich tapestry of philosophical discussions, encompassing diverse perspectives from ancient metaphysical debates, such as Plato’s theory of Forms, to modern existentialist reflections on individual authenticity and the human experience. The concept of being transcends academic disciplines, resonating across philosophy, theology, science, and the arts, providing a profound framework for exploring the essence of reality, consciousness, and the very fabric of existence itself.

Being: Meanings

Aspect	Meaning
Ontological Significance	Exploration of existence and reality, central in literature.
Character Development	Relates to character traits, motivations, and psychological depth in narratives.
Identity and Authenticity	Explores individual identity, authenticity, and selfhood in texts.
Existentialism and Absurdity	Addresses the absurdity of existence in an indifferent universe, as seen in works like “The Stranger.”
Metaphysical and Symbolic Elements	Uses metaphysical and symbolic representations of “being” to convey deeper meanings, as in Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot.”
Social and Cultural Contexts	Examines how societal norms, culture, and history shape it in individuals and society.
Narrative Voice and Perspective	Influences storytelling and characters’ perceptions of their existence in the literary world.
Semiotics and Linguistic Analysis	Studies show it constructed and represented through language and semiotics, impacting textual interpretation.

Being: Definition as Theoretical Term

Being, as a theoretical term, encompasses the fundamental concept of existence and reality within the context of philosophical and literary discourse.

It serves as a crucial intellectual anchor for exploring the ontological nature of beings and their essence, often delving into questions of identity, authenticity, and the human condition.

This term offers a foundational framework for in-depth philosophical and literary analysis, fostering inquiries into the intricate tapestry of existence and the complexities of human experience.

Being: Theorists, Works, and Arguments

Theorists:

• Martin Heidegger: Heidegger’s work, particularly Being and Time, is foundational for existentialism and phenomenology. He explores the concept of “Dasein” and its relationship with being.
• Jean-Paul Sartre: In Being and Nothingness, Sartre delves into existentialism and the idea of human freedom, emphasizing the individual’s responsibility in defining their own existence.
• Friedrich Nietzsche: Nietzsche’s philosophy, including works like Thus Spoke Zarathustra, challenges conventional notions of morality, embracing the concept of “eternal recurrence” and the will to power.
• Albert Camus: Camus, in works like The Stranger and The Myth of Sisyphus, addresses the absurdity of human existence and the search for meaning in an indifferent world.
• Plato: In The Republic and his Theory of Forms, Plato explores the idea of transcendent, ideal “being” as distinct from the material world.

Works:

• Being and Time by Martin Heidegger: This seminal work introduces the concept of “Dasein” and investigates the relationship between human existence and being.
• Being and Nothingness by Jean-Paul Sartre: Sartre’s magnum opus examines existentialism and the concept of radical freedom in defining one’s own existence.
• Thus Spoke Zarathustra by Friedrich Nietzsche: Nietzsche’s poetic work explores the concept of eternal recurrence and the overman (Ubermensch).
• The Stranger by Albert Camus: This novel embodies the idea of existential absurdity, with the protagonist, Meursault, living in a world without inherent meaning.
• The Republic by Plato: In this dialogue, Plato introduces his Theory of Forms, including the concept of the transcendent “realm of being.”

Arguments:

• Authenticity and Freedom: Existentialist theorists like Sartre argue that individuals must embrace their freedom and make authentic choices to define their own existence.
• Absurdity of Existence: Albert Camus presents the argument that human existence is inherently absurd, devoid of inherent meaning, and individuals must confront this absurdity.
• Ontological Inquiry: Martin Heidegger’s Being and Time underscores the need for an ontological investigation into the nature of “being” and its relationship with human existence.
• Transcendent Forms: Plato’s argument in The Republic suggests that true reality lies in transcendent Forms, and material existence is a mere shadow of this ultimate “being.”

Being and Literary Theories

Theory	Relevance
Existentialism	In existentialist literary theory, “being” is a central theme, reflecting the individual’s struggle to define their existence, confront the absurdity of life, and grapple with notions of freedom and responsibility.
Structuralism and Poststructuralism	Within structuralist and poststructuralist theories, the concept of “being” is often deconstructed and analyzed as a signifier in language, challenging fixed meanings and highlighting the fluidity of linguistic representation.
Feminist Theory	Feminist literary theory may examine how the concept of “being” is gendered, exploring how societal constructs of identity and roles affect characters’ self-perception and how women’s experiences of “being” are portrayed in literature.
Postcolonial Theory	Postcolonial literary theories can investigate how colonialism and cultural displacement influence the representation of “being” in marginalized communities, shedding light on issues of identity, hybridity, and diaspora.
Psychoanalytic Theory	Psychoanalytic literary theory may delve into the subconscious aspects of “being” within characters, exploring how desires, fears, and conflicts shape their identities and motivations.
Marxist Theory	Marxist literary theories can consider how social and economic factors impact the characters’ sense of “being” within the context of class struggle, power dynamics, and alienation.
Reader-Response Theory	Reader-response theorists may focus on how readers’ own experiences and interpretations of this concept affect their engagement with a text, emphasizing the subjective nature of literary meaning.

Being: Application in Criticism

1. The Stranger by Albert Camus: Existentialism Application: Within the context of existentialist literary criticism, one can explore the novel’s protagonist, Meursault, who grapples with the absurdity of existence. Analyzing his indifference to societal norms and the murder he commits, one can critique how Camus portrays Meursault’s confrontation with the inherent meaninglessness of life and the consequences of his choices.
2. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: Character Development and Feminist Critique: A critique of this classic novel can involve an analysis of the female characters, particularly Elizabeth Bennet, and their negotiation of societal expectations. A feminist literary critique could explore how “being” in the Regency era restricts the choices and identity of women, examining the female characters’ struggles for self-determination and the critique of gender roles.
3. One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez: Postcolonial and Identity Critique: Applying postcolonial literary criticism to Márquez’s novel, one can focus on the portrayal of the Buendía family and the town of Macondo. The novel’s themes of cultural hybridity, the impact of colonization, and the cyclical nature of “being” can be critiqued through a postcolonial lens, revealing how these elements shape the identities and experiences of the characters.
4. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley: Marxist and Dystopian Critique: In a Marxist literary critique, one can examine the society depicted in the novel and the characters’ “being” within a highly stratified and consumerist world. The critique can focus on class divisions, the loss of individuality, and the dehumanizing effects of a totalitarian regime, offering a perspective on the societal and economic implications of the characters’ “being.”

Being: Suggested Readings

1. Heidegger, Martin. Being and Time. Translated by John Macquarrie and Edward Robinson, Harper & Row, 1962.
2. Sartre, Jean-Paul. Being and Nothingness. Translated by Hazel E. Barnes, Philosophical Library, 1956.
3. Camus, Albert. The Stranger. Translated by Stuart Gilbert, Vintage, 1989.
4. Plato. The Republic. Translated by Benjamin Jowett, Oxford University Press, 2008.
5. Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. Penguin Classics, 2003.
6. Márquez, Gabriel García. One Hundred Years of Solitude. Translated by Gregory Rabassa, Harper Perennial, 2006.
7. Huxley, Aldous. Brave New World. Harper Perennial Modern Classics, 2006.