Existential Responsibility in Literature & Literary Theory

Existential Responsibility: Etymology/Term, Meanings and Concept

Etymology/Term:

The term “existential responsibility” combines the roots of “existential,” referring to matters of existence and individual experience, with “responsibility,” denoting the state of being accountable for one’s actions. Coined within existentialist philosophy, this concept delves into the profound connection between individual choices and the inherent responsibility each person bears for shaping their own existence.

Meanings and Concept:

• Personal Agency: Existential responsibility emphasizes the idea that individuals possess agency and are responsible for their own lives. It underscores the significance of conscious decision-making and the consequences that arise from those choices.
• Freedom and Choice: Linked closely with existentialism, this concept highlights the freedom individuals have to define their essence through the choices they make. It posits that with freedom comes responsibility, as each choice shapes one’s identity and influences the course of life.
• Creating Meaning: Existential responsibility suggests that individuals must actively engage in creating meaning and purpose in their lives. It challenges the notion that meaning is predetermined and encourages individuals to take an active role in shaping their own sense of purpose.
• Ethical Implications: Beyond personal choices, existential responsibility extends to ethical considerations. It emphasizes the ethical responsibility individuals have towards others and the broader community, recognizing the interconnectedness of human existence.
• Embracing Anxiety: Existential responsibility acknowledges the anxiety that arises from the freedom to choose and the uncertainty inherent in existence. Rather than avoiding this anxiety, the concept encourages individuals to confront it and use it as a catalyst for authentic and meaningful living.
• Continuous Self-Reflection: The concept underscores the importance of ongoing self-reflection and examination of one’s values and choices. It implies a dynamic and evolving process of taking responsibility for one’s life and continuously reassessing one’s path.

Existential responsibility, therefore, encompasses a philosophical perspective that empowers individuals to recognize their agency, make deliberate choices, and actively engage in the ongoing creation of their own existence and meaning.

Existential Responsibility: Definition of a Theoretical Term

Existential responsibility is a theoretical term rooted in existentialist philosophy, emphasizing the idea that individuals bear the inherent responsibility for shaping their own existence through conscious and deliberate choices. It asserts that human beings possess freedom and agency in defining their lives, leading to a sense of accountability for the consequences of their actions. This concept underscores the dynamic interplay between personal choices, ethical considerations, and the continuous process of self-reflection in crafting a meaningful and authentic life.

Existential Responsibility: Theorists, Works and Arguments

Theorist	Key Works	Central Arguments
Jean-Paul Sartre	Being and Nothingness	Sartre argues that individuals are condemned to be free, emphasizing the responsibility that comes with the freedom to choose. He explores how choices define one’s essence and impact personal and collective existence.
Albert Camus	The Myth of Sisyphus	Camus examines the absurdity of human existence and asserts that embracing the absurd without succumbing to despair is an act of existential responsibility. He advocates for living authentically in the face of life’s inherent meaninglessness.
Viktor Frankl	Man’s Search for Meaning	Frankl, drawing from his experiences in concentration camps, argues that individuals can find meaning in even the most challenging circumstances through the pursuit of purpose and the acceptance of responsibility for their attitudes and choices.
Simone de Beauvoir	The Second Sex	De Beauvoir extends existentialist ideas to feminist philosophy, emphasizing the importance of women taking responsibility for their own lives and challenging societal expectations that limit their freedom and agency.
Martin Heidegger	Being and Time	Heidegger explores the concept of “Dasein,” arguing that human existence is inherently linked to temporality and that individuals must confront their own mortality and make authentic choices in the face of existential possibilities.

Existential Responsibility: Major Characteristics

Existential responsibility is characterized by several key features that underscore its philosophical underpinnings and implications:

1. Individual Agency: Existential responsibility places a strong emphasis on the idea that individuals possess agency—the capacity to make meaningful and impactful choices. It asserts that individuals are not passive recipients of fate but active architects of their own lives.
2. Freedom and Choice: Central to this concept is the recognition of human freedom. Existential responsibility contends that with freedom comes the responsibility to make choices. Individuals are confronted with the challenge of navigating the vast array of possibilities available to them and determining the course of their existence.
3. Creation of Meaning: Existential responsibility suggests that meaning in life is not preordained but is actively created by individuals through their choices and actions. This places a significant burden on individuals to engage in a continual process of self-discovery and purposeful living.
4. Authentic Living: An important aspect of existential responsibility is the call for authenticity. Individuals are encouraged to live in accordance with their true selves, making choices that align with their values and beliefs rather than conforming to external expectations or societal norms.
5. Confronting Existential Anxiety: The concept acknowledges the inherent anxiety and uncertainty that accompanies freedom and the responsibility to make choices. Instead of avoiding or denying this anxiety, existential responsibility encourages individuals to confront it and use it as a catalyst for personal growth and self-awareness.
6. Ethical Considerations: Beyond personal choices, existential responsibility extends to ethical dimensions. It emphasizes the ethical responsibility individuals have toward others and the broader community. This involves considering the impact of one’s choices on the well-being of others and contributing positively to the collective human experience.
7. Ongoing Self-Reflection: Existential responsibility implies a continual process of self-reflection. Individuals are encouraged to reassess their values, goals, and the trajectory of their lives, fostering a dynamic and evolving relationship with their own existence.
8. Recognition of Absurdity: Some existentialist thinkers, such as Albert Camus, incorporate the recognition of the absurdity of human existence into existential responsibility. Embracing the absurd involves acknowledging the inherent lack of inherent meaning in life and still choosing to act responsibly and authentically.

Existential Responsibility: Relevance in Literary Theories

Literary Theory	Relevance of Existential Responsibility
Existentialism	Central to existentialist literary theory, existential responsibility is often depicted through characters who grapple with the consequences of their choices, highlighting the inherent freedom and burden of individual agency. Works by Sartre and Camus exemplify this focus on existential dilemmas and responsibility.
Phenomenology	In phenomenological literary analysis, existential responsibility aligns with the examination of lived experiences and the subjective interpretation of reality. Characters’ choices and the ensuing responsibilities become crucial elements in understanding the characters’ consciousness and the narrative’s meaning.
Feminist Literary Theory	Existential responsibility intersects with feminist literary theory in exploring how female characters assert their agency and navigate societal expectations. Simone de Beauvoir’s concept of women taking responsibility for their own lives is a pivotal theme in feminist analyses of literature.
Postmodernism	Existential responsibility is relevant in postmodern literature, where the fragmented nature of reality and the absence of overarching meaning create spaces for characters to define their own existence. Authors may use existential themes to explore the consequences of subjective realities and the rejection of fixed narratives.
New Criticism	While New Criticism tends to focus on formal elements, existential responsibility can be analyzed within the context of character development and choices. Examining characters’ responsibilities allows for a deeper understanding of the moral and ethical dimensions embedded in the narrative structure.
Psychoanalytic Theory	Existential responsibility intersects with psychoanalytic literary theory, especially in exploring characters’ internal conflicts and the choices they make in light of their unconscious desires. This perspective delves into the psychological dimensions of characters’ responsibilities and the consequences of their actions.

Existential Responsibility: Application in Critiques

1. The Stranger by Albert Camus

Existential responsibility is prominently featured in the critique of “The Stranger.” The protagonist, Meursault, embodies the existentialist theme of living authentically and embracing individual freedom. Critics may focus on Meursault’s detached and indifferent demeanor as an illustration of existential responsibility, highlighting his refusal to conform to societal norms and the consequences he faces for his choices. The novel prompts discussions on the absurdity of human existence, the consequences of Meursault’s decisions, and the responsibility he holds for shaping his own destiny.

• No Exit by Jean-Paul Sartre

In the analysis of Sartre’s play “No Exit,” existential responsibility is central to the characters’ predicament. Critics might explore how the characters, trapped in a room together for eternity, grapple with the consequences of their past actions and the responsibility they hold for each other’s suffering. The play serves as a microcosm of existentialist ideas, emphasizing the inescapability of personal responsibility and the impact of one’s choices on others.

• The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

Sylvia Plath’s “The Bell Jar” lends itself to an existential critique, particularly regarding the protagonist Esther Greenwood’s journey. Critics may analyze Esther’s struggle for identity and meaning, exploring how her choices reflect existential responsibilities. The novel provides a lens to examine the societal expectations placed on women in the 1950s and Esther’s attempts to navigate these expectations while taking responsibility for her mental health and individuality.

• The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka

In the critique of Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis,” existential responsibilities can be applied to Gregor Samsa’s transformation into an insect. Critics might discuss how Gregor grapples with his newfound existence, his sense of isolation, and the responsibility he feels towards his family despite his physical and emotional struggles. The novella offers a rich ground for exploring themes of alienation, personal choice, and the consequences of one’s circumstances, all within the framework of existentialist thought.

Existential Responsibility: Relevant Terms

Theoretical Term	Brief Description
Absurdism	Embraces life’s lack of meaning, advocating authentic living despite absurdity.
Nihilism	Rejects values, asserting life lacks inherent meaning or purpose.
Personal Authenticity	Focuses on living true to oneself, making value-aligned choices.
Moral Agency	Stresses individual capacity for moral decisions and consequences.
Radical Freedom	Emphasizes unrestricted human freedom to shape one’s destiny.
Ethical Existentialism	Integrates existentialism with ethical responsibility.
Dasein	In Heideggerian philosophy, denotes human existence’s interconnectedness.
Phenomenological Freedom	Examines subjective experience of freedom.
Ontological Responsibility	Explores fundamental nature and impact of responsibility.
Moral Individualism	Emphasizes moral autonomy and personal responsibility.

Existential Responsibility: Suggested Readings

1. Camus, Albert. The Myth of Sisyphus and Other Essays. Vintage, 1991.
2. de Beauvoir, Simone. The Ethics of Ambiguity. Citadel Press, 1976.
3. Frankl, Viktor E. Man’s Search for Meaning. Beacon Press, 2006.
4. Heidegger, Martin. Being and Time. Harper & Row, 1962.
5. Kafka, Franz. The Metamorphosis. Bantam Classics, 1972.
6. Nietzsche, Friedrich. Thus Spoke Zarathustra. Penguin Classics, 1978.
7. Plath, Sylvia. The Bell Jar. Harper Perennial Modern Classics, 2006.
8. Sartre, Jean-Paul. Being and Nothingness: An Essay on Phenomenological Ontology. Washington Square Press, 1992.
9. Sartre, Jean-Paul. Existentialism is a Humanism. Yale University Press, 2007.
10. Tolstoy, Leo. The Death of Ivan Ilyich and Other Stories. Penguin Classics, 2008.