Life is undoubtedly a complex journey filled with different experiences and challenges for everyone. Sometimes we embrace the beauty of life, while at other times we struggle to find meaning in the struggles. In literature and art, two philosophical approaches that explore these contrasting perspectives are absurdism and existentialism. Through stories, novels, films and plays, these philosophical concepts can offer unique insights into the human condition, inviting us to question the nature of existence and our place within it.
Now let’s look at the factors that define and bridge absurdism (and existentialism):
Inconsistency and Contradiction
One of the elements that characterises absurdism is the exploration of inconsistency and contradiction. Samuel Beckett’s play “Waiting for Godot” masterfully depicts characters waiting indefinitely for someone who may never arrive. Similarly, Franz Kafka’s famous work “The Metamorphosis” depicts the absurdity of Gregor Samsa’s transformation into a giant insect and his struggle to reconcile his new existence with society’s expectations. Through these examples, absurdism highlights the futility and meaninglessness of human endeavour, challenging traditional notions of purpose and meaning.
Meaninglessness or Irrationality
A well-known example, Terry Gilliam’s “Monty Python and the Holy Grail”, subverts traditional narratives with its nonsensical and quirky humour. As King Arthur and his knights search for the Holy Grail, they encounter absurd situations and characters. Similarly, The paradox of the Ship of Theseus raises philosophical questions about identity and change, posing the dilemma of whether a ship remains the same when all its parts are replaced over time. These examples encourage us to question the rationality of accepted narratives and structures that we accept without question.
Humor and Irony
Douglas Adams’ “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy”, which I love, uses humour and irony to explore the absurdity of the universe. The story follows Arthur Dent, an ordinary man, as he ventures into space and encounters bizarre situations. The comedic tone of the book allows us to recognise the absurdities of life while confronting existential questions. Through humour and irony, absurdity provides a unique perspective that allows us to appreciate the comic aspects of the human experience and its inherent contradictions.
Exaggeration and Extremity
Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s novel “One Hundred Years of Solitude” uses exaggeration and extremes to tell the epic saga of the Buendia family in the imaginary city of Macondo. The novel’s fantastic elements and exaggerated characters emphasise the absurdity of human existence and the cyclical nature of history. Through the use of exaggeration, Marquez draws our attention to the extremes of life itself and the blurred boundaries between reality and imagination. Undoubtedly, the use of exaggeration can be considered one of the most effective means of conveying absurdity.
Metaphorical Realism
Michel Gondry’s film “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” explores the complexities of memory, identity and love through metaphorical realism. The film presents a world where memories can be erased, blurring the lines between reality and the subconscious. By using metaphors in a literal sense, Gondry reveals profound truths about the human experience and shows that the search for meaning often lies in the mysterious corners of our own minds.
Photo by Noah Silliman on Unsplash
In contrast to absurdism, existentialism is the acceptance of the authenticity of individual existence. The elements of absurdism also encompass the basic principles of existentialism. These philosophical concepts are intertwined and interdependent. Therefore, the examples given for absurdism also contain elements of existentialism.
Although Albert Camus is best known as an absurdist, he is often considered a representative of existentialism because of his exploration of absurd characters through the lens of existentialist perspectives in works such as “The Stranger” and “The Myth of Sisyphus”. In “The Stranger”, Camus presents the story of Meursault, a neutral and indifferent character who embraces his freedom and confronts the absurdities of life, embodying existentialist thought. Similarly, “The Myth of Sisyphus” depicts the existential struggle of Sisyphus, condemned to roll a boulder up a hill forever.
Camus finds the absurdity of effort and meaning in the beauty of defiance and self-determination. He skilfully combines these two approaches in his writings. The relationship and interaction between absurdism and existentialism can be clearly seen in the works of Camus.
Throughout his work, Camus emphasises the importance of embracing our individuality, freedom and responsibility, while acknowledging the inherent absurdities and difficulties of life. Despite the futility and struggle, his writings remind us that life is worth living and can be filled with profound meaning and beauty.
On the other hand, it is important not to confuse existentialism with Pollyannaism, which is an overly optimistic perspective. Pollyannaism seeks to find the positive in all circumstances, whereas existentialism acknowledges the complexities, uncertainties and struggles of existence; allowing us to embrace the realities of life. It involves an honest assessment of the human condition and allows for self-discovery.
In conclusion, while absurdism sheds light on the futile and challenging aspects of life, existentialism encourages us to embrace our reality and find meaning in the face of difficulty. Rather than surrendering to nihilism or blind optimism, adopting a thoughtful perspective on life, appreciating the struggles and seeking personal growth within the absurdity will make us who we are. In doing so, we can discover the beauty and purpose that lies within our unique journeys.
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