Dasein in Literature & Literary Theory

Dasein: Etymology and Concept

The term “Dasein” finds its origin in German existential philosophy, particularly associated with the works of philosopher Martin Heidegger. In German, “Dasein” can be deconstructed into “Da,” signifying “there” or “here,” and “Sein,” which translates to “being” or “existence.”

Coined by Heidegger in the early 20th century, “Dasein” signifies a profound and nuanced concept that encompasses the totality of human existence, emphasizing the individual’s unique experience of being-in-the-world.

Heidegger’s use of “Dasein” sought to challenge traditional philosophical conceptions of subject-object relationships, focusing on the individual’s lived experience and fundamental questions surrounding human existence, including the nature of time, self, and the world. As a term deeply rooted in existentialism and phenomenology, it underscores the idea that human existence is not just a philosophical concept but a complex, lived reality.

Dasein: Meanings

Aspect	Meanings
Literal Meaning	German term for “existence” in everyday language, referring to one’s presence or existence.
Heidegger’s Philosophy	Profound concept in Martin Heidegger’s philosophy, emphasizing unique human existence and lived experience.
Existentialism	Central concept in existentialist philosophy, exploring human existence, authenticity, and individual responsibility.
Phenomenology	Used in phenomenology to examine human consciousness and subjective interpretation of the world.
Hermeneutics	Relevant in hermeneutics for interpreting texts and understanding meaning, considering the interpreter’s experiences.
Literary Critique	Applied in literary analysis to explore characters’ modes of being and active meaning construction by readers and characters.

Dasein: Theoretical Term Definition

Dasein, a central concept in existential philosophy developed by Martin Heidegger, refers to the unique mode of human existence.

It emphasizes the individual’s lived experience and their active engagement with the world, challenging traditional philosophical notions of subject-object relationships.

It explores fundamental questions about human existence, such as the nature of time, self, and the world, and underscores the importance of authenticity and personal responsibility in shaping one’s own existence.

Dasein: Theorists, Works, and Arguments

Theorists:

1. Martin Heidegger: Martin Heidegger is the primary philosopher associated with the concept of Dasein. He extensively developed and explored the idea in his works, particularly in “Being and Time.”

Key Works:

1. Being and Time by Martin Heidegger: This seminal work is where Heidegger introduces and extensively elaborates on the concept of Dasein. He delves into the nature of human existence, time, and the individual’s engagement with the world.

Key Arguments:

1. Existential Analysis: It is central to existential analysis, emphasizing the unique way in which individuals exist in the world. Heidegger argues that Dasein’s existence is fundamentally different from mere “things” and explores the concept’s implications for understanding human existence.
2. Lived Experience: It underscores the importance of lived experience in shaping one’s understanding of the world. Heidegger argues that individuals actively engage with their environment and that this engagement is integral to their existence.
3. Authenticity and Inauthenticity: Heidegger’s Dasein concept introduces the ideas of authenticity and inauthenticity, highlighting the importance of individuals taking responsibility for their existence and making authentic choices in life.
4. Temporal Nature: Dasein’s temporal nature is a significant aspect of Heidegger’s arguments. He explores how individuals relate to the past, present, and future, and how this temporal structure shapes their existence.
5. Critique of Cartesian Dualism: Heidegger’s arguments challenge Cartesian dualism and the separation between the subject and object. Dasein suggests a more integrated and engaged form of existence.

These arguments and concepts associated with it are central to Heidegger’s philosophy and have had a significant impact on existentialism and phenomenology.

Dasein: in Literary Theories

Theory	Relevance
Reader-Response Theory	Dasein is relevant in reader-response theory, emphasizing the active role of the reader in constructing meaning from a literary text. In this context, Dasein highlights how readers engage with the text, drawing from their lived experiences and existential engagement with the narrative to interpret and construct meaning.
Existentialism in Literature	Literary works that explore existential themes often incorporate this concepts. Existentialist literature delves into the individual’s engagement with the world, the search for meaning, and the experience of authenticity and inauthenticity in existence.
Phenomenological Literary Criticism	Phenomenological literary criticism, which focuses on the subjective interpretation of literary texts, draws on its emphasis on lived experience. It explores how characters and readers interact with the text and interpret it based on their existential engagement with the narrative.
Hermeneutics	Dasein is relevant in hermeneutics, the theory of interpretation. It underscores the importance of the interpreter’s existence and experiences in shaping the interpretation of a text. Hermeneutics acknowledges that the act of interpreting literature is inseparable from the interpreter’s existential engagement with the text.
Literary Existentialism	Some literary works explicitly align with existentialist philosophy and explore the themes of human existence, choice, freedom, and authenticity. Dasein’s concepts of existence and engagement with the world are central to understanding and interpreting such literature.

Dasein: Application in Critiques

Novel	Critique
The Stranger by Albert Camus	Dasein Critique: In Camus’s novel, Dasein can be applied to analyze the protagonist, Meursault, who exemplifies the detached, existentialist individual. Dasein underscores Meursault’s lack of emotional engagement with the world, ultimately leading to his tragic outcomes. The novel raises questions about the consequences of living inauthentically and the significance of personal engagement with existence.
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger	Dasein Critique: Salinger’s novel follows the experiences of Holden Caulfield, a character who embodies the Dasein concept. Dasein can be used to explore Holden’s search for authenticity and meaning in a world he perceives as inauthentic. The novel raises questions about the challenges of navigating the transition to adulthood and the existential dilemmas faced by the individual.
The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka	Dasein Critique: In Kafka’s work, Dasein is relevant when examining the transformation of Gregor Samsa into a giant insect. It could be be used to interpret the alienation and existential crisis experienced by Gregor, as well as the reactions of his family. The novel prompts questions about identity, belonging, and the individual’s relationship with a changed existence.
To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf	Dasein Critique: Woolf’s novel provides a rich context for applying Dasein, especially in the characters’ introspective journeys. It could be employed to analyze the existential contemplations of the characters, their interactions with the world, and the passage of time. The novel raises questions about the meaning of life and the individual’s existential relationship with the external and internal worlds.

Dasein: Suggested Readings

1. Heidegger, Martin. Being and Time. Translated by John Macquarrie and Edward Robinson, Harper & Row, 1962.
2. Mulhall, Stephen. Heidegger and Being and Time. Routledge, 2010.
3. Wrathall, Mark A. How to Read Heidegger. W.W. Norton & Company, 2006.
4. Carman, Taylor. Heidegger’s Analytic: Interpretation, Discourse, and Authenticity in Being and Time. Cambridge University Press, 2003.
5. Guignon, Charles, editor. The Cambridge Companion to Heidegger. Cambridge University Press, 1993.