Ontological Criticism aka Ontological Critique

Introduction: Ontological Criticism

Ontological criticism, also known as ontological literary criticism, is a type of literary theory that focuses on the question of being and existence as it pertains to literature.

The term “ontological” is derived from the Greek word “ontos,” which means “being.” Ontological criticism attempts to understand how literature and language function as forms of being and existence in the world, rather than simply as representations or reflections of reality. It is concerned with how literature and language create, shape, and reveal different kinds of realities, and how they interact with the human experience of existence.

Ontological criticism is based on the belief that literary works are not simply linguistic constructs, but are instead complex, dynamic entities that have their own being and existence. This approach emphasizes the importance of understanding the fundamental nature of literary works, including their ontology to fully appreciate their meaning and significance. It also emphasizes the importance of examining how literature and language create and reflect different aspects of reality, and how they relate to the human experience of existence.

Ontological Criticism: Origin, Theorists, Work and Arguments

Origin of Ontological Criticism:

• Emerged in the mid-20th century as a branch of literary criticism.
• Developed as a response to structuralism and formalism.
• Rooted in philosophical ontology, which deals with the nature of being and existence.

Prominent Theorists of Ontological Criticism:

1. Martin Heidegger:
   • A German philosopher who greatly influenced ontological criticism.
   • His work on existentialism and ontology laid the foundation for this approach in literary criticism.
   • Notable works include Being and Time.
2. Jean-Paul Sartre:
   • A French existentialist philosopher.
   • Applied existentialist ideas to literary analysis, emphasizing human existence and the choices individuals make.
   • Existentialism is a Humanism is one of his influential texts.
3. Albert Camus:
   • An Algerian-French philosopher and writer.
   • Known for his exploration of the absurdity of human existence.
   • Works like The Stranger and The Myth of Sisyphus are central to ontological criticism.
4. Friedrich Nietzsche:
   • A German philosopher who questioned traditional values and morality.
   • His ideas about the will to power and the eternal recurrence influenced existentialist thought.
   • Thus Spoke Zarathustra and Beyond Good and Evil are key texts.
5. Gabriel Marcel:
   • A French existentialist philosopher.
   • Explored the nature of human existence and the importance of interpersonal relationships.
   • Being and Having and The Mystery of Being are relevant to ontological criticism.

Key Works in Ontological Criticism:

1. Being and Time by Martin Heidegger:
   • Central to the development of ontological criticism.
   • Explores the concept of “Dasein” (human being) and its relation to being-in-the-world.
   • Influenced subsequent discussions of existence in literature.
2. The Stranger by Albert Camus:
   • A novel that exemplifies the absurdity of human existence.
   • The protagonist, Meursault, embodies existential themes of indifference and detachment.
3. No Exit by Jean-Paul Sartre:
   • A play that delves into the existential concept of “hell is other people.”
   • Characters confront their actions and their impact on each other, emphasizing the idea of human responsibility.
4. The Myth of Sisyphus by Albert Camus:
   • A philosophical essay that explores the absurdity of life and the concept of the “absurd hero.”
   • Discusses the idea of living authentically in the face of a meaningless universe.
5. Thus Spoke Zarathustra by Friedrich Nietzsche:
   • Nietzsche’s work challenges traditional values and morality.
   • The concept of the “Übermensch” (overman or superman) reflects existentialist themes of individualism and self-creation.

Main Arguments in Ontological Criticism:

1. Existentialism in Literature:
   • Ontological criticism emphasizes the exploration of existential themes in literature.
   • It examines how characters grapple with questions of existence, freedom, and choice.
2. Authenticity and Inauthenticity:
   • Heavily influenced by Heidegger’s ideas, ontological criticism delves into the authenticity of characters and their choices.
   • It explores how characters either embrace their authentic selves or succumb to inauthenticity, often driven by societal norms.
3. Human Experience and Alienation:
   • Ontological criticism analyzes how literature portrays the human experience, including feelings of alienation, isolation, and the search for meaning.
   • It delves into how characters confront the absurdity of existence.
4. Freedom and Responsibility:
   • Building on Sartre’s philosophy, ontological criticism examines the concept of radical freedom.
   • It explores how characters’ choices and actions reveal their sense of responsibility in a world without inherent meaning.
5. Language and Communication:
   • This approach also considers the limitations of language and communication in conveying existential experiences.
   • It looks at how language may fail to capture the depth of human existence.

Principals of Ontological Criticism

Ontological criticism provides a philosophical lens through which literary works are analyzed, emphasizing the fundamental questions of human existence and the choices individuals make in the face of an often uncertain and absurd world.

Principal	Explanation	Example
Existential Exploration	Ontological criticism prioritizes the examination of existential themes in literature, including questions of existence, freedom, and choice.	Analyzing how a character’s choices reflect their existential struggle.
Authenticity and Inauthenticity	The approach delves into the authenticity of characters and their choices, often influenced by societal norms. It assesses whether characters embrace their authentic selves or succumb to inauthenticity.	Examining a character’s decision to conform to societal expectations versus staying true to themselves.
Human Experience Emphasis	Ontological criticism focuses on how literature portrays the human experience, including feelings of alienation, isolation, and the search for meaning.	Analyzing how a protagonist’s sense of isolation shapes their actions and worldview.
Freedom and Responsibility	Building on Sartre’s philosophy, it explores the concept of radical freedom in literary works. It examines how characters’ choices and actions reveal their sense of responsibility in a world without inherent meaning.	Investigating a character’s moral choices when no external rules dictate their behavior.
Language and Communication Limits	This approach considers the limitations of language and communication in conveying existential experiences. It analyzes how language may fall short in capturing the depth of human existence.	Exploring how the inadequacy of words in describing profound experiences can create tension in a story.
Influence of Philosophical Thinkers	Ontological criticism draws heavily from the works of existentialist philosophers like Heidegger, Sartre, Camus, Nietzsche, and Marcel. It applies their philosophical insights to literary analysis.	Identifying traces of existentialist philosophy in a novel’s themes and character development.
Absurdity and Authentic Living	The concept of absurdity in human existence is a key focus. It explores how characters confront the absurdity of life and the possibility of living authentically in a meaningless universe.	Analyzing how a character grapples with the apparent meaninglessness of their actions.
Individualism and Self-Creation	Ontological criticism examines the theme of individualism and self-creation, often associated with Nietzsche’s idea of the Übermensch (overman or superman).	Evaluating how a character’s choices reflect their efforts to transcend societal norms and create their identity.
Interpersonal Relationships	The importance of interpersonal relationships in shaping human existence is considered. It explores how characters’ interactions with others impact their choices and sense of self.	Studying how a character’s relationships influence their decisions and self-discovery.
Critical Reflection on Social Norms	This approach encourages a critical reflection on societal norms and values that may influence characters’ decisions. It assesses the tension between societal expectations and authentic living.	Examining how societal pressure affects a character’s moral dilemmas and choices.
Philosophical Lens in Literary Analysis	Ontological criticism provides a philosophical lens through which literary works are analyzed. It seeks to uncover deeper philosophical meanings within literature.	Interpreting a novel in light of existentialist philosophy to reveal underlying philosophical themes.

Suggested Readings

1. Heidegger, Martin. Being and Time. Translated by John Macquarrie and Edward Robinson, Harper & Row, 1962.
2. Sartre, Jean-Paul. Existentialism is a Humanism. Translated by Carol Macomber, Yale University Press, 2007.
3. Camus, Albert. The Myth of Sisyphus. Translated by Justin O’Brien, Vintage, 1991.
4. Nietzsche, Friedrich. Thus Spoke Zarathustra. Translated by Walter Kaufmann, Penguin Classics, 1978.
5. MacDonald, Paul S., editor. The Existentialist Reader: An Anthology of Key Texts. Routledge, 2000.
6. Camus, Albert. The Stranger. Translated by Matthew Ward, Vintage International, 1989.
7. Sartre, Jean-Paul. No Exit and Three Other Plays. Translated by Stuart Gilbert, Vintage, 1989.
8. Nietzsche, Friedrich. Beyond Good and Evil. Translated by R. J. Hollingdale, Penguin Classics, 2003.