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Critical Lens-The Tortoise and the Hare using the Theory of Existentialism

In applying Kierkegaards Theory of Existentialism special attention will be paid to his

leap to faith concept and subjective reflection as it relates to both characters. Inapplying the theory the tortoise took a leap of faith in challenging the hare to a race and

seeing the truth that he could win this race from his subjective perspective thereby

taking responsibility for his lifes worth. The tortoise knows that in a flat race where both

the hare and himself were to put out their total effort that he was genuinely slower.

This tale of The Tortoise and the Hare shows the power of commitment and faith over

flash and dash (desire without the requisite hard work). Whilst the hare dashed in front

and grew overconfident and complacent, so much so has to take a nap. The tortoise

continued at his slow steady pace. Which though the hare tried to recover some ground

at the end, his effort was too late and the race was lost. Though the tortoise was theunderdog he kept at the task at hand and triumphed in the end. Kierkegaards in his

theory posited one lives as a "single individual", giving priority to concrete human reality

over abstract thinking, and highlighting the importance of personal choice and

commitment. Looking at the tale through the critical lens of Kierkegaards Theory of

Existentialism, we see that the tortoise in addition to taking a leap of faith when he

challenged the hare to a race also took into consideration his knowledge of himself. He

considered the reality that though the hare was faster than he was and could beat him

in a straight, flat course. Being the braggart he was, the hare would underestimate the

tortoise and so become complacent.

The tortoises action of being fully committed and passionate not only to the challenge

but also of winning parallels the human condition has described through Soren

Kierkegaards theory. Individuals must always be prepared to fight against odds and

what is considered normal or is required by society. It is more important to live up to

your individual expectations that that of the perceptions of society. Again this was

demonstrated in the story by the apparent high self esteem the tortoise had. He didnt

care that he might have appeared foolish by challenging the hare as the general

consensus was that the hare was very fast and he therefore did not stand a chance ofbeating him. The tortoise was fully committed to his task and the actualization of his self

worth.

Conversely, the hare though he believed his perception that he was the fastest animal.

He spent his time boasting at this. Quite often boasting may be construed as a form of

intimidation, because, the hare constantly said he was the fastest, the other animals

made this their truth and reality. And therefore the hare did not get the opportunity to

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test his skills/talent. The hare though believing in himself as evidenced by the boasting

did not have the faith and commitment to back it up. He also committed some cardinal

mistakes he overestimated his ability (one which he really does nothing to nurture) and

he underestimated his opponent.

One must agree with Kierkegaards Theory of Existentialism, when applied to Aesopstale of The Tortoise and the Hare. Both animals exhibited the principle of individual and

as such each had full responsibility for creating the meanings of their own lives. Whilst

the tortoise had the faith and commitment to maximize his self worth and therefore

could achieve for himself; the hare wanted to achieve with understanding his situation

and the effect his actions would have on his reality and life. By extension two popular

adages go a little faith goes a long way and hard work takes the price.

References

Aesop's Fables: With His Life: In English. France: 1687.

Hannay, Alastair. Kierkegaard: A Biography. England: Cambridge, 2001