Existentialism in Albert Camus The Plague and Samuel...

All of the characters in The Plague and Waiting For Godot exist in their fictional worlds. However, none is able to explain why. Neither work gives the reader an explanation of human existence except to say that humans exist. Providing an answer to the question of existence would constitute a paradox. To an existentialist, if you answer the question, then youve missed the whole point. 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 (Bigelow 134). Basically, existentialism addresses mans existence. An existentialist†¦show more content†¦By identifying the work with existentialism, it is easier to gain at least some notion of what Beckett is bringing to the reader. Regardless, Becketts work does contain many aspects of existentialist thought. The Plague is perhaps the greatest existentialist novel ever written. Albert Camus was one of the more prominent and outspoken existentialists in history (Bigelow 136). One of the major elements of existentialism is alienation. In Waiting For Godot, the two tramps, Vladimir and Estragon, are isolated from everyone. They have no control over where they are going or what they are going to do. Only by chance will another person enter into the picture to provide companionship for a short time. The Plague also shows great isolation. Camus articulates his belief that humans are isolated and alone through Orans situation. Oran is cut off from the outside world. No ships are allowed to enter the port, which brings about the death of commerce. For a time, no letters or telegrams are allowed to the outside (Peyre 318). The people are also unable to enjoy nature by taking a healthy swim in the sea surrounding the city. This isolation is the worst aspect of the plague for many of the people. The isolation leads to the death of the mind and spirit. Another major aspect of existentialism is freedom. In The Plague, the citizens of Oran are alienated, and thus they hunger for freedom. Rambert is an excellent example of the manShow MoreRelated Samuel Becketts Waiting for Godot as an Existentialist Play4416 Words   |  18 PagesWaiting for Godot as an Existentialist Play   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The play, Waiting For Godot, is centred around two men, Estragon and Vladimir, who are waiting for a Mr. Godot, of whom they know little. Estragon admits himself that he may never recognize Mr. Godot, Personally I wouldnt know him if I ever saw him. (p.23). Estragon also remarks, †¦ we hardly know him. (p.23), which illustrates to an audience that the identity of Mr. Godot is irrelevant, as little information is ever given throughoutRead MoreViolation Of The Maxims Of Cooperative Principle7912 Words   |  32 Pages Chapter –I For the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in English (Ph. D.) Research Topic Violation of the Maxims of Cooperative Principle in Samuel Beckett’s Selected Plays. Research Student Mr. Mundhe Ganesh Balavantrao Research Guide Dr. B. A. Jarange Place of Research Institute of Advanced Studies in English, Pune CONTENTS 1) Introduction 2) Rationale of the Study 3) Hypothesis 4) Review of the Research Work 5) Aims and Objectives of the Research Project 6) Data, Methodology and Techniques