What is existentialism?

Existentialism is a philosophical approach that emphasizes individual existence and freedom in creating meaning for oneself. It is a belief system more than a literary term, but its influence can be found in many literary works. The existentialist philosophy posits that individuals are free to make choices that determine their very existence. It contends that life has no inherent meaning or purpose, and it is up to each individual to create that meaning through their choices and actions.

Existentialist themes are present in works like Albert Camus’ 'The Stranger,' Franz Kafka’s 'The Metamorphosis,' and Jean-Paul Sartre’s 'No Exit.' The characters in these works are often faced with an existential crisis where they must choose their path in life without any external guidance or certainty. They must take responsibility for their choices and the consequences that come with them, even if they are not always pleasant.

Existentialism as a concept and term became popular in the twentieth century, but it builds on earlier philosophical traditions. It owes much of its heritage to the works of Friedrich Nietzsche and Søren Kierkegaard. Nietzsche famously declared that God was dead, meaning that traditional belief systems no longer provided a framework to give life meaning. Kierkegaard, on the other hand, emphasized the importance of subjective experience and the need to make sense of the world for oneself.

In conclusion, existentialism is a concept that emphasizes the power and freedom of the individual to create meaning for oneself. Its influence can be seen in many literary works, and it has a rich philosophical history that stretches back centuries.