Ontological Criticism in Literature

Introduction: Ontological Criticism in Literature

Ontological criticism in literature, deeply rooted in existential philosophy, engages with profound questions concerning the essence of human existence and the pivotal choices individuals make within the context of literary narratives.

This critical approach prioritizes the exploration of existential themes, such as the fundamental inquiries into the nature of being, the exercise of freedom, and the pursuit of authenticity.

Moreover, it rigorously examines the authenticity of characters’ choices, often within the framework of societal norms, thereby illuminating their inner conflicts related to identity and the quest for meaning.

Ontological criticism underscores the nuanced portrayal of the human experience, emphasizing emotions of alienation, isolation, and the relentless pursuit of significance. By adeptly applying a philosophical lens to literary analysis, this approach reveals profound philosophical implications within the narratives it scrutinizes, ultimately urging a critical reflection on the intricate tapestry of existence woven throughout literature.

Criticism Against Ontological Criticism

1. Overemphasis on Philosophy: Detractors assert that ontological criticism in literature places an excessive emphasis on philosophy, sometimes at the expense of the literary aspects of a work. This approach often prioritizes abstract philosophical concepts over the narrative, character development, and other literary elements.
2. Simplification of Literature: Some contend that ontological criticism in literature tends to oversimplify the complexities of literary texts by reducing them to existential themes. This reductionist approach may overlook the rich layers of meaning and symbolism present in literature.
3. Neglect of Cultural and Historical Context: Critics argue that ontological criticism in literature often neglects the cultural and historical context in which a literary work is situated. Focusing solely on existential themes can lead to a narrow interpretation that disregards the broader social, political, and cultural influences on the text.
4. One-Size-Fits-All Approach: Ontological criticism in literature relies heavily on existential philosophy, which may not be suitable for all types of literature. Critics assert that this approach may not effectively analyze works from diverse genres and cultural backgrounds, as not all literature is concerned with existential questions.
5. Neglect of Authorial Intent: Some argue that ontological criticism in literature does not adequately consider the author’s intent when interpreting a text. Critics claim that this approach may impose philosophical interpretations on works that the author did not intend or may have had different thematic goals in mind.
6. Potential for Overlooking Alternative Interpretations: Critics contend that ontological criticism in literature may limit the range of possible interpretations by focusing narrowly on existential themes. This could lead to the neglect of alternative interpretations that consider different literary and thematic dimensions.
7. Lack of Practical Application: Detractors argue that ontological criticism in literature can be overly theoretical and may not offer practical insights or contribute significantly to understanding a literary work’s cultural or societal relevance.
8. Difficulty in Accessibility: Some critics suggest that ontological criticism in literature’s heavy reliance on philosophical concepts and terminology can make it inaccessible to a broader readership and limit its applicability in educational settings.

Examples of Ontological Criticism

1. The Road by Cormac McCarthy (2006):
   • In this post-apocalyptic novel, a father and his young son traverse a desolate, ashen landscape stripped of humanity. Ontological criticism examines their harrowing journey as they confront the bleakness of existence while seeking survival. The father’s unwavering determination and the boy’s innocence in the face of a grim world become focal points for existential analysis.
2. The Stranger by Harlan Coben (2015):
   • In this contemporary thriller, the protagonist, a detective named Adam Price, becomes embroiled in a complex mystery when he learns a disturbing secret about his wife. Ontological criticism analyzes Adam’s quest for truth, the unraveling of his identity as a husband and father, and the moral dilemmas he faces as he dives deeper into the enigma that challenges the very core of his existence.
3. The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro (2015):
   • Set in a mythical, post-Arthurian Britain, this novel follows an elderly couple, Axl and Beatrice, who embark on a journey to visit their estranged son. Ontological criticism delves into the couple’s relationship, their hazy memories, and the collective amnesia that shrouds the land. The story becomes a canvas for exploring the nature of memory, identity, and the existential implications of a society that forgets its past.
4. Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders (2017):
   • This experimental novel unfolds in a cemetery where the spirit of Abraham Lincoln’s deceased son, Willie, resides in the “bardo,” a transitional state between life and afterlife. Ontological criticism examines the spectral characters’ experiences in this liminal space, their existential crises, and how their existence challenges conventional perceptions of life, death, and the afterlife. The novel offers a unique perspective on the existential journey of these otherworldly beings.
5. The Memory Police by Yoko Ogawa (2019):
   • In a dystopian society, a novelist and her editor grapple with the oppressive regime’s mandate to forget certain objects and concepts. Ontological criticism applies to this world of enforced oblivion, where characters confront the erosion of memory and identity. The novel raises profound questions about the nature of existence, individuality, and the power of memory in shaping one’s sense of self.

Keywords in Ontological Criticism in Literature

1. Existentialism: A philosophical movement that emphasizes the individual’s experience and freedom in an inherently meaningless or absurd world.
2. Authenticity: The quality of being true to one’s own nature, values, and beliefs; often explored in literature through characters’ actions and choices.
3. Absurdity: The concept that human existence lacks inherent meaning or purpose, often explored in literature to convey the sense of life’s futility.
4. Freedom: The capacity for individuals to make choices independently of external influences, a central theme in existential literature.
5. Identity: The distinctive characteristics and sense of self that define an individual; often examined in literature in relation to characters’ struggles with self-discovery.
6. Alienation: A feeling of isolation or estrangement from oneself, others, or society, frequently explored in literature to depict characters’ disconnection from the world.
7. Responsibility: The moral obligation of individuals to make choices and take actions in an existence devoid of predetermined meaning; a recurring theme in existentialist literature.
8. Individualism: The emphasis on the uniqueness and autonomy of the individual, often examined in literature to portray characters who challenge societal norms.
9. Communication: The process of conveying thoughts, ideas, and emotions, often examined in literature to highlight the limitations of language in expressing existential experiences.
10. Nihilism: The belief that life lacks inherent value or meaning, often explored in literature to depict characters who grapple with nihilistic perspectives.

Suggested Readings

1. Barthes, Roland. Mythologies. Translated by Annette Lavers, Hill and Wang, 2013.
2. Camus, Albert. The Myth of Sisyphus and Other Essays. Translated by Justin O’Brien, Vintage International, 1991.
3. Heidegger, Martin. Being and Time. Translated by John Macquarrie and Edward Robinson, Harper & Row, 1962.
4. Nietzsche, Friedrich. Thus Spoke Zarathustra. Translated by Walter Kaufmann, Penguin Classics, 1978.
5. Sartre, Jean-Paul. Existentialism is a Humanism. Translated by Carol Macomber, Yale University Press, 2007.
6. Sartre, Jean-Paul. No Exit and Three Other Plays. Translated by Stuart Gilbert, Vintage, 1989.
7. Saunders, George. Lincoln in the Bardo. Random House, 2017.
8. Woolf, Virginia. To the Lighthouse. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1981.