Literary Criticism: Literary Criticism: ExistentialismExistentialism

Essay and presentation by:Essay and presentation by:

Ámbar A. Betancourt Ámbar A. Betancourt GonzálezGonzález

In general terms (facts and In general terms (facts and background information):background information):

►Became popular after WWIIBecame popular after WWII

►Proposes that man is full of anxiety Proposes that man is full of anxiety and despair with no meaning in his and despair with no meaning in his life, just simply existing life, just simply existing

►Because of Existentialism we have the Because of Existentialism we have the Theatre of the Absurd Theatre of the Absurd

Key TermsKey Terms►AbsurdAbsurd - a term used to describe existence--a - a term used to describe existence--a

world without inherent meaning or truth. world without inherent meaning or truth. ►AuthenticityAuthenticity - to make choices based on an - to make choices based on an individualindividual code of ethics (commitment) rather code of ethics (commitment) rather than because of societal pressures. A choice than because of societal pressures. A choice made just because "it's what people do" would made just because "it's what people do" would be considered inauthentic.be considered inauthentic.

► "Leap of faith""Leap of faith" - although Kierkegaard - although Kierkegaard acknowledged that religion was inherently acknowledged that religion was inherently unknowable and filled with risks, faith required unknowable and filled with risks, faith required an act of commitment (the "leap of faith"); the an act of commitment (the "leap of faith"); the commitment to Christianity would also lessen commitment to Christianity would also lessen the despair of an absurd world.the despair of an absurd world.

Forefathers of existentialism:Forefathers of existentialism:

What is it?What is it?

►Existence as a problem.Existence as a problem.

►A philosophy.A philosophy.

►A way of life.A way of life.

QuestionsQuestions

►DeathDeath

►ExistenceExistence

►GodGod

►ValueValue

► Interpersonal Interpersonal relationshipsrelationships

►Self-reflectionSelf-reflection

FocusFocus

►The individualThe individual

BeliefsBeliefs

►Life is very difficultLife is very difficult

►Life has no objectiveLife has no objective

►Life has no universally known valueLife has no universally known value

►Existentialism is an act not a word.Existentialism is an act not a word.

In conclusion…In conclusion…

Thank you and Thank you and Remember:Remember:

The Rumanian apple guns of the The Rumanian apple guns of the night.night.

(Get it? I end this with absurdism! (Get it? I end this with absurdism! JA!)JA!)