What is humanism?
A belief in the value, agency, and moral significance of human beings.
The Human Condition: Humanism in Creative Writing
Humanism is a belief in the inherent worth and potentialities of human beings. In the context of creative writing, humanism often refers to a focus on character and the human condition.
This means that writers who work from a humanistic perspective recognize the complexity and depth of human experience, and they aim to explore and represent this richness in their work. They may strive for realism and psychological authenticity, taking care to craft characters who feel fully-rounded and emotionally resonant. Or, they may use character as a vehicle to explore larger questions about what it means to be human, touching on themes like identity, love and loss, morality, and the meaning of life.
This doesn't mean that humanistic creative writing is sentimental or simplistic: far from it. Rather, it's a recognition that human beings are complex creatures, often capable of both great beauty and terrible darkness. By engaging with the complexities of the human experience, humanistic writers seek to elevate the conversation and create works that are both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.
Humanism has been a guiding force for writers across the centuries, inspiring them to explore the complexities and contradictions of human experience. Here are two examples of how the concept of humanism has been used within literature.
Chaucer's famous collection of stories is a classic example of humanism in literature, as it showcases a wide range of characters from across society and explores their experiences, joys, and sorrows. Through his characters, Chaucer grapples with big questions about gender, class, love, and morality, crafting a rich tapestry of human experience that continues to captivate readers today.
In this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Morrison uses humanism to explore the lasting trauma of slavery and its impact on black identity and community. Through her vivid and haunting characters, Morrison gives voice to the profound experiences of enslaved Africans and their descendants, illuminating the psychological toll of racism and oppression on the human spirit.