Necessitarianism: Concept in Literature
- Necessitarianism Concept: Necessitarianism is a philosophical concept explored in literature, asserting that all events and choices are determined by pre-existing causes and conditions, negating free will.
- Literary Exploration: Authors often use necessitarianism as a thematic foundation in literature to examine characters’ struggles against seemingly predetermined fates.
- Tension and Existential Questions: This deterministic worldview creates tension and prompts existential questions about the boundaries of human agency and destiny.
- Complex Character Development: Necessitarianism allows for in-depth exploration of human agency, personal choice, and the interplay between destiny and individual decisions.
- Narrative Implications: It can manifest through fatalistic narratives or philosophical inquiries, adding philosophical richness to literary works.
- Forces that Shape Lives: Literature that delves into necessitarianism fosters contemplation on the intricate forces that shape human lives and the consequences of deterministic beliefs.
Necessitarianism: Meanings in Literature and Theory
| Aspect | Meaning |
| Necessitarianism | A philosophical concept in literature asserting that all events and choices are determined by pre-existing causes and conditions, negating free will. |
| Thematic Foundation | In literature, necessitarianism serves as a foundational theme, creating tension and exploring human agency vs. destiny. |
| Character Exploration | Authors use necessitarianism to delve into characters’ struggles with predetermined fates, prompting deep character development. |
| Deterministic Worldview | Necessitarianism in literature prompts contemplation of complex forces shaping lives, due to a lack of free will. |
| Literary and Philosophical Implications | Necessitarianism adds depth to literary works and fosters profound philosophical exploration. |
| Existential Themes | Literature involving necessitarianism prompts contemplation of existential themes and the impact of external factors on individual lives. |
Necessitarianism: Theorists, Works and Arguments
Theorists:
- Arthur Schopenhauer: A prominent philosopher, Schopenhauer’s work, particularly The World as Will and Representation, emphasized a deterministic worldview where human actions are determined by inner, unconscious drives, aligning with necessitarian themes in literature. His ideas influenced existentialist and psychological literary theories.
- Friedrich Nietzsche: Nietzsche’s exploration of the will to power, the eternal recurrence, and the concept of Amor Fati (love of fate) challenged traditional notions of fate and free will. His works, including Thus Spoke Zarathustra, offer a nuanced perspective on human agency and determinism, sparking literary interpretations that delve into the conflict between fate and free will in characters.
Key Works:
- The World as Will and Representation by Arthur Schopenhauer: This seminal philosophical work delves into the deterministic nature of the world, suggesting that the will is the fundamental driving force behind human actions. Literary theorists have drawn from Schopenhauer’s ideas to analyze characters and their motivations in literature.
- Thus Spoke Zarathustra by Friedrich Nietzsche: Nietzsche’s philosophical novel introduces the concept of the Übermensch (Overman or Superman) and explores themes of eternal recurrence. These ideas are relevant to literary discussions of human agency, personal transformation, and the tension between fate and free will in characters.
Arguments in Literary Theory:
- Predetermined Character Arcs: In literature, necessitarianism is often depicted through characters whose destinies are predetermined, leading to an exploration of how characters evolve within these preordained constraints. This theme is particularly prevalent in works that tackle fatalism or tragic destinies.
- Conflict Between Fate and Free Will: Literary theorists engage with the conflict between fate as determined by external forces and the characters’ pursuit of free will and agency. This tension is a central theme in many literary works, driving character development and plot dynamics.
- Existential Themes: Necessitarianism serves as a backdrop for existential exploration in literature. Characters grapple with the consequences of a deterministic worldview, and literary theorists delve into how this worldview impacts themes of existentialism, personal meaning, and human existence within the literary narrative.
These theorists, their works, and the related arguments provide a rich and nuanced framework for examining necessitarianism in literary theory, offering insights into how it shapes character development, plot dynamics, and existential themes in literature.
Necessitarianism: Principals
| Principals | Explanation |
| Determinism and Predestination | Necessitarianism in literature revolves around the concept of determinism and predestination, where characters’ actions and outcomes are believed to be predetermined by external forces or inner drives. |
| Conflict Between Fate and Free Will | A fundamental principle is the exploration of the tension between the characters’ belief in fate or predestination and their pursuit of free will and agency. |
| Character Development | Necessitarianism often leads to in-depth character development, as characters grapple with the consequences of their perceived lack of free will, making their internal struggles a central focus. |
| Existential Themes | This principle delves into existential themes, prompting characters and readers to contemplate the boundaries of personal choice, the nature of existence, and the influence of external factors on individual lives. |
| Narrative Exploration | Necessitarianism influences the narrative structure by presenting characters with seemingly predetermined fates, leading to various plot developments and thematic explorations. |
| Philosophical Inquiry | Literature incorporating necessitarianism encourages philosophical inquiry into the interplay between destiny, free will, and human agency, adding depth to the narrative and prompting readers to ponder fundamental questions about life and existence. |
Necessitarianism: Critiquing Literature
- “Oedipus Rex” by Sophocles: This ancient Greek tragedy epitomizes the concept of necessitarianism through its portrayal of Oedipus’s tragic fate. The play underscores the inescapability of destiny, as Oedipus attempts to defy the prophecy of the Oracle of Delphi, only to fulfill it unwittingly. The central theme of inexorable fate and the struggle of individuals against predetermined events exemplifies the deterministic nature of the narrative.
- Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky: Dostoevsky’s novel delves into the psychological intricacies of necessitarianism. The protagonist, Raskolnikov, believes he is predestined to commit a heinous crime, driven by his theory of the “extraordinary man.” The story’s central feature is the inner turmoil of Raskolnikov as he grapples with the idea that his actions are fated, challenging his sense of free will. It explores the conflict between determinism and personal agency, emphasizing how one’s beliefs can shape their actions and consequences.
- The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka: Kafka’s novella is a quintessential example of necessitarianism through its portrayal of Gregor Samsa’s abrupt transformation into an insect. The central feature is the complete lack of control that Gregor has over this transformation, highlighting the arbitrary nature of fate. The narrative unfolds as Gregor navigates life with this inexplicable condition, emphasizing the powerlessness of individuals when faced with external, deterministic forces.
- The Stranger by Albert Camus: Camus’s novel reflects the deterministic aspect of necessitarianism through the character of Meursault, who seems to lead a life devoid of personal agency. The central feature is Meursault’s apathy and indifference to his own actions and their consequences, suggesting a life driven by fate rather than conscious choices. The narrative challenges traditional notions of personal agency and free will, emphasizing how Meursault’s character embodies a deterministic worldview.
These novels offer nuanced examples of necessitarianism in literature, each highlighting specific features of determinism, such as inexorable fate, internal struggle, arbitrary transformations, and existential detachment, fostering critical reflections on the interplay between destiny and human agency.
Necessitarianism: Suggested Readings
- Aristotle. Nicomachean Ethics. Translated by W. D. Ross, Oxford University Press, 2009.
- Camus, Albert. The Stranger. Translated by Matthew Ward, Vintage, 1989.
- Dostoevsky, Fyodor. Crime and Punishment. Translated by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky, Vintage, 1993.
- Kafka, Franz. The Metamorphosis. Translated by Susan Bernofsky, W. W. Norton & Company, 2014.
- Nietzsche, Friedrich. Thus Spoke Zarathustra. Translated by R. J. Hollingdale, Penguin Classics, 1969.
- Schopenhauer, Arthur. The World as Will and Representation. Translated by E. F. J. Payne, Dover Publications, 1966.
- Sophocles. Oedipus Rex. Translated by F. Storr, Public Domain Books, 2004.
