Absurdism is a school of philosophy that suggests that human existence is meaningless and irrational. The conflict between humans' desire to find inherent meaning in life and the silent, indifferent universe is the major focus of it. In literature, this often results in works where characters face iRead more
Absurdism is a school of philosophy that suggests that human existence is meaningless and irrational. The conflict between humans’ desire to find inherent meaning in life and the silent, indifferent universe is the major focus of it. In literature, this often results in works where characters face illogical situations, nonsensical dialogue, and a lack of clear purpose or resolution.
Absurdism in ‘Waiting for Godot’:
Samuel Beckett’s play “Waiting for Godot” is a really good example of absurdism. The play has two main characters, Vladimir and Estragon, who wait for someone named Godot. Their wait is endless, and Godot never arrives. This setup shows the absurdist theme in several ways:
- Lack of Purpose: The characters’ actions are repetitive and seemingly pointless. They keep waiting without knowing why and this is a reflection of the absurdist view that life doesn’t have an inherent purpose.
- Nonsensical Dialogue: Much of the dialogue between Vladimir and Estragon is circular and meaningless, emphasizing the idea that human communication is often futile and misunderstood.
- Uncertainty and Confusion: The characters are unsure about their past, their purpose, and even about who Godot is. This uncertainty reflects the absurdist notion that humans cannot find definitive answers to life’s big questions.
- Stasis and Inaction: Despite talking about leaving or taking action, the characters remain stuck in one place, waiting. The absurdist theme of inaction and the paralysis that comes from trying to find meaning in a meaningless world is shown here.
- Existential Themes: The play goes into existential themes, shoing despair, the search for meaning, and the human condition. It portrays the absurdity of life through the characters’ endless, fruitless wait for someone or something that might provide answers or purpose.
Great literary critics and social workers agree that literature is a potent weapon for addressing and criticising social inequalities. Literary critics who have highlighted the importance of literature in revealing the systems of power and injustice include Edward Said. Authors have the power to sheRead more
Great literary critics and social workers agree that literature is a potent weapon for addressing and criticising social inequalities. Literary critics who have highlighted the importance of literature in revealing the systems of power and injustice include Edward Said. Authors have the power to shed light on the realities of under-represented communities through narrative, giving readers a firsthand grasp of their hardships and inspiring compassion and action.
Social workers understand the importance of literature in promoting social change and increasing awareness since they work closely with the effects of social inequalities. Through literature, marginalised populations can express their stories and subvert prevailing notions, giving voice to the voiceless. It can draw attention to systemic problems like classism, racism, and sexism and encourage critical thought and discussion.
Literary critics such as Toni Morrison have demonstrated how depicting the daily experiences of marginalised people in literature may upend deeply ingrained social conventions. Books like her book “Beloved” make readers aware of the atrocities of slavery and implore society to face and correct these injustices. Similar to this, Upton Sinclair’s “The Jungle” revealed the terrible working conditions suffered by foreign labourers, sparking protests and revisions to laws.
Literature has the power to evoke empathy, awareness, and ultimately action towards a more just society by humanising abstract injustices and presenting them in gripping, relevant storylines.
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