Existentialism in Camus and Kafka - 1697 Words

Existentialism in Camus, ‘the Outsider and Kafkas, ‘The Metamorphosis Franz Kafkas The Metamorphosis and Albert Camus The Outsider, both feature protagonists in situations out of which arise existentialist values. Existentialism is a philosophy that emphasizes the uniqueness and isolation of the individual experience in a hostile or indifferent universe, regards human existence as unexplainable, and stresses freedom of choice and responsibility for the consequences of ones acts. In The Metamorphosis the protagonist, Gregor Samsa, realizes his existentialism towards the end of the novella. In contrast, Monsieur Meursault, the protagonist in The Outsider, knows of his existentialism, only realizing his lifes lack of meaning†¦show more content†¦The novella is written as a metaphor, with a very strong sense of vivid realism. The metaphor is for any situation in which someone tries to break free form a social norm, only to fall; failing to convince the society that his/her action is just. The protagonist, Gregor Samsa, brought society against him when he questioned his life as a travelling salesperson. Social expectations had put him in his place, but he decided, although the reader may assume quite subconsciously, that it was not the place for him. His wish to remove all social burdens from his shoulders is first illustrated to him through his transformation into a `monstrous vermin. The protagonist was the narrator in The Outsider, a man who told the story of his demise from existentialism, only to find he needed a life just before his chances were taken away. The Metamorphosis, on the other hand, is narrated on the third person, where the reader receives an unbiased view of Gregor Samsas attempts to become existentialist. Where Camus used short `to the point statements to show existentialism, Kafka has filled his novella with colourful descriptive literal language, in an attempt to point out the depth in any situation, such as Gregors many squirming legs, his visualisation of his room becoming ever smaller and ever more b land, and the descriptive nature with which the fatal apple becomes lodged in Gregors back and eventually allows him to die. The Outsiders Meursault isShow MoreRelatedMetamorphosis And The Stranger1288 Words   |  6 PagesThe existence and purpose of human live has always posed a question for society. To answer this question, philosophers ponder Existentialism. Existentialism is the philosophy that humans exist for no true purpose and that each individual changes essence in his or her lifetime by finding meaning in life through freewill, choice, and personal responsibility without certain knowledge of right and wrong. This theory gained popularity in the mid-1900s after WWII caused many people to lose hope in an orderedRead MoreA Concrete Human Existence, And The Conditions Of Such Existence1689 Words   |  7 Pagesby the idea of human worthlessness. Literature- Existentialism, though it had been present since the 19th century, came of age in the mid-20th Century. This was largely through the scholarly and fictional works of the French existentialists, Jean-Paul Sartre, Albert Camus and Simone de Beauvoir. The heavily influenced post WWII movement spurred up a whole new way of thinking. Sartre made the movement popular in that he defined â€Å"Existentialism† and wrote many works solely centered on his viewsRead MoreExistentialism And How This Philosophical Theory Has Developed Over The Years1443 Words   |  6 PagesAbstract: In this paper we hope to discuss existentialism and how this philosophical theory has developed over the years. 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That seems quite obvious, but to further und erstand the meaning of existentialism, it must be analyzed through the impacts it has had on bothRead MoreEssay on Existentialism in Unknown Places1409 Words   |  6 PagesExistentialism in Unknown Places Existentialism is the epitome of the unknown. There is no straightforward explanation of what exactly it is, there is only certain characteristics and behaviors that describe existentialist views. Throughout today’s world, there are examples of it everywhere, it’s found in movies, books, songs, and just people in general. Existentialists are known to think and do for themselves only. They believe that to understand what it means to be human requires understandingRead MoreWith Age, We Question Our Lives836 Words   |  3 Pageslife even more confusing. Many readers would find Camus difficult to understand especially his philosophy. Camus rejected himself as a philosopher and did not want to be grouped with existentialists such as Dostoevsky, Kierkegaard, or Kafka (Payne, 1992). However, many experts say that his philosophy is a mixture of existentialist and humanism. Most of his works revolved around the philosophy of existentialism, absurdism and humanism. Camus may reject that he is a philosopher but his works haveRead MoreExistentialism and its Role Today1027 Words   |  5 PagesDaoism, Stoicism, and Existentialism. Since each person defines their happiness differently, each person has their own opinion as to whether or not what is read to be correct or not. The goal is to at least shine a light to what everyone seems drawn towards. Existentialism is an important theory to consider in order to achieve the Good Life. Although existentialism may not appeal to everyone as a reliable theory to achieve the Good Life, it does elabo rate as to how existentialism can be used to attainRead MoreAbsurdity Between Kafka and Camus4307 Words   |  18 Pagescontrast the philosophical views of two great philosophers, namely Albert Camus and Franz Kafka. The works involved in this argument are Kafkas The Metamorphosis and Camus The Outsider. The chief concern of both writers is to find a kind of solution to the predicament of modern man and his conflict with machines and scientific theories. Death, freedom, truth and identity are themes to be studies here in the sense of absurdity.    Kafka was born in Prague in 1883. On the Surface, it would seem that he ledRead MoreThe Great Depression By Albert Camus997 Words   |  4 PagesAlbert Camus was a philosopher who was born in Algeria on November 7, 1913. His writings, like so many others, were impacted by the Great Depression, the rise of National Socialism and Communism, and the destruction of, and reconstruction after World War II. He contributed multiple works as part of the â€Å"Continental† philosophy tradition of mainland Europe. Major works include The Rebel, The Stranger and most recognized The Myth of Sisyphus. He died in France in 1960, in a car accident while writingRead MoreEssay about Existentialism2347 Words   |  10 Pagesseems obvious and easy to relate to. However, it perfectly describes the concept of existentialism, which is neither obvious nor relatable. Existentialism is â€Å"a modern philosophical movement stressing the importance of personal experience and responsibility and the d emands that they make on the individual, who is seen as a free agent in a deterministic and seemingly meaningless universe† (â€Å"Existentialism†). Existentialism is a difficult philosophy to grasp, but by exploring examples in literature and