Elements Of Existentialism In Literature
Abstract
Existentialism is an important aspect of modernism in art and literature and as conceived today, it is basically a philosophy of existence which was pioneered by Nietzsche and Kiekegaard and later disseminated by Sartre etc. In the 20th Century, existentialism became identified with a European cultural movement. It implies ‘quest’ of an individual for the assertion of ‘self’, despite his failures and limitations. Amidst grim facts of life, existentialism presents a philosophy of hope, ecstasy and exultation. It stresses on choice of responsibility and freedom for consequences of one’s acts. It is a representation of rejection of all abstract thinking and insists that philosophy should be connected with an individual’s own life and experience. In the present study an attempt has been made to explore existential elements in Girish Karnad’s three important plays namely Yayati, Tughlaq and Hayavadana.
Introduction
Existentialism emerged as a powerful trend in Europe after World War I. It is a salient feature of modernism in literature and art. Several contemporary forces- cultural, intellectual, political and social led to its development. These forces had achieved prominence after the world wars had drastically shattered people’s faith in the progress of human civilization. For the people of the West, the value of life had begun to appear absurd and meaningless.
One usually witnesses Kafkaesque ‘angst’, Kurtzian ‘horror’, Sisyphean ‘despair’ and Promethian ‘defiance’
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