Insights
Existentialism, a philosophical movement that gained prominence in the 20th century,
fundamentally addresses the question of human existence, freedom, and the search for meaning
in an often indifferent or absurd world. Though its roots can be traced back to thinkers like Søren
Kierkegaard and Friedrich Nietzsche, existentialism found its most famous literary expression
through the works of Jean-Paul Sartre, Albert Camus, and Simone de Beauvoir. Today,
existentialist themes continue to resonate in contemporary literature, providing a fertile ground
for exploring the complexities of modern life. This article delves into the pervasive influence of
existentialism in contemporary literature, examining how its core tenets—freedom, absurdity,
alienation, and authenticity—manifest in modern narratives. Through detailed examples and
references, the article aims to engage readers with a deep and intricate analysis of existentialist
themes in contemporary writing.
Existentialism: A Brief Overview
At its core, existentialism is concerned with the individual’s experience in a world that lacks
inherent meaning. Existentialists posit that life is defined by freedom of choice and the
responsibility that comes with it. This philosophy grapples with the “absurd,” a term popularized
by Camus to describe the conflict between the human desire for meaning and the silent,
indifferent universe. While existentialism emphasizes the freedom to shape one’s destiny, it also
acknowledges the weight of existential angst—the anxiety that arises from the realization of this
freedom.
Key existentialist concepts include authenticity, the idea that individuals must create their own
values and live true to themselves, and alienation, the feeling of being isolated from the world or
from one’s true self. These themes have become central in contemporary literature, where they
are often used to explore the human condition in a rapidly changing, often disorienting world.
Freedom and Responsibility in Contemporary Narratives
One of the most salient existentialist themes in contemporary literature is the notion of freedom
and its attendant responsibilities. In a world where traditional structures of meaning—such as
religion, community, and family—are increasingly fragmented, characters in modern literature
often grapple with the overwhelming freedom to define their own lives. This theme is poignantly
explored in Rachel Cusk’s novel Outline (2014), where the protagonist, Faye, engages in
conversations that reveal her existential struggle to navigate life after a divorce. The novel’s
minimalist plot reflects the existentialist idea that life has no predefined essence and that
individuals are free to shape their own narratives.
Similarly, in Ben Lerner’s 10:04 (2014), the narrator confronts his own sense of freedom amidst
the backdrop of impending ecological disaster and personal uncertainty. The protagonist’s
oscillation between artistic creation and self-doubt exemplifies the existential tension between
freedom and the paralyzing fear of making choices that define one’s identity. Both Cusk and
Lerner depict characters who must navigate the existential burden of freedom in a world where
meaning is not given but must be created.
The Absurdity of Existence: Contemporary Reflections
The absurd, a central concept in existentialist thought, is vividly portrayed in contemporary
literature as characters confront the dissonance between their search for meaning and the
apparent randomness of the universe. Paul Auster’s The Brooklyn Follies (2005) epitomizes this
theme through the character of Nathan Glass, a man who, after recovering from cancer, moves to
Brooklyn in search of a quiet, uneventful life. However, the randomness of events and the
serendipitous encounters he experiences serve to highlight the absurdity of life—a key
existentialist concern. Despite the apparent chaos, Glass finds moments of connection and
meaning, reflecting Camus’s idea that one must imagine Sisyphus happy, embracing the absurd
without succumbing to despair.
Moreover, in Ottessa Moshfegh’s My Year of Rest and Relaxation (2018), the unnamed
protagonist seeks to escape the absurdity of existence by embarking on a year-long druginduced sleep. The novel underscores the existential theme of the absurd by presenting a
protagonist who, disillusioned with life, seeks solace in oblivion. Yet, her attempt to disengage
from the absurdity of life only serves to underscore its inescapability, as she ultimately cannot
avoid confronting the existential realities of her existence.
Alienation and Isolation in Modern Literature
Alienation, another pivotal theme in existentialism, is deeply explored in contemporary literature
as characters navigate a world that often feels estranged or disconnected from their inner
selves. In Kazuo Ishiguro’s Never Let Me Go (2005), the sense of alienation is palpable as the
cloned protagonists struggle with their predetermined fate. Although they are genetically
engineered for the purpose of organ donation, the characters yearn for a sense of normalcy and
connection, highlighting their alienation from society and their own humanity. Ishiguro’s novel
raises profound existential questions about identity, autonomy, and the essence of what it means
to be human.
Similarly, in Sally Rooney’s Normal People (2018), the characters Marianne and Connell
experience a deep sense of alienation, not only from society but from themselves. Their
fluctuating relationship serves as a vehicle for exploring themes of isolation, belonging, and the
difficulty of authentic communication—hallmarks of existentialist literature. The novel’s
exploration of the characters’ inner lives reveals the pervasive alienation they feel, despite their
external success and societal acceptance.
Authenticity and the Search for Self
Authenticity, a key tenet of existentialist philosophy, is often depicted in contemporary literature
through characters who struggle to live according to their true selves. The search for
authenticity in a world that constantly imposes external values is a recurring theme, as seen in
Zadie Smith’s Swing Time (2016). The novel follows two childhood friends as they grow up and
navigate the complexities of race, class, and identity. The protagonist’s journey reflects the
existential quest for authenticity as she grapples with the expectations placed upon her by
society, her family, and herself.
In Sheila Heti’s Motherhood (2018), the protagonist confronts the existential question of whether
to have children, a decision that forces her to confront what it means to live an authentic life. The
novel is an introspective exploration of the pressures women face regarding motherhood and the
existential implications of making—or refusing to make—such a life-defining choice. Heti’s work
exemplifies how contemporary literature uses existential themes to explore the nuances of
identity and the pursuit of a life that is true to oneself.
Existentialism continues to exert a profound influence on contemporary literature, offering a lens
through which modern writers explore the complexities of human existence. The themes of
freedom, absurdity, alienation, and authenticity are pervasive in contemporary narratives,
reflecting the ongoing relevance of existentialist thought in a world where traditional sources of
meaning are increasingly questioned. As contemporary characters navigate a landscape defined
by choice, randomness, and the search for self, existentialism provides a philosophical
framework that resonates with the uncertainties of modern life. Through detailed and complex
portrayals of existential dilemmas, contemporary literature invites readers to reflect on the
profound questions that define the human condition in an ever-evolving world.
