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Comparing Existentialism In Jean-Paul Sartre And Albert Camus

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Existentialism became a well-known philosophical movement by the works of two French writers, Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus. Soren Kierkegaard is universally considered to be the first existentialist philosopher but the movement became prominent due to the efforts of two French writers Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus. Jean-Paul Sartre (1905-1980), a French existential philosopher, a prominent novelist and playwright is considered to be the father of Existentialist philosophy. His trilogy No Exit, Nausea, and the Roads to Freedom contribute greatly to the philosophy of existentialism. The central theme of existentialism is freedom of the individual. It emphasizes that Man is ultimately responsible for his own actions. Sartre’s notions …show more content…

Baker observes that Albert Camus dealt with the theme of absurdity in his works because of which he is an existential writer. Albert Camus, a prominent French novelist and philosopher who vehemently and explicitly denied existential thoughts and one who was completely opposed to existentialism is classified as a prominent existentialist. As all his renowned works, The Stranger, The Plague, and The Rebel deal with existential issues. Camus was preoccupied with issues such as meaningless of life, absurdity, irrationality, etc. He believed that in …show more content…

Meursault, the protagonist’s alienation and detachment, his feelings of complete unconcern about the trial and sentence, his determination to be true to his feelings reflect the existential credo of Camus. Meursault is an existential character he leads life in a meaninglessness manner. He falls in love with Maria but frankly admits to her that love is a vague emotion, it has no meaning for him. His character is like that of Sindi Oberio, who was very much in love with June but refused to marry her as he was afraid of attachment. However, Meusault is completely obsessed with his own theory of absurdity of existence. He shows neither sorrow for the death of his mother nor any sense of repentance for murdering an Arab. He does not show any emotion, neither sorrow nor regret when convicted to death. Camus was concerned with portrayal of absurdity of existence. His work ‘The Rebel’ is about historical rebellion, revolt against slavery and suppression but Camus philosophy of absurdity is also prominently present throughout the book, he believes that there is no God or guiding principal it is difficult to find the true meaning of life or existence. Similarly in his ‘The Fall’ Clamence is guilty and evil. Camus tells his view

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