Existentialism “We always find something, eh Didi, to give us the impression we exist?” - Estragon in Waiting for Godot Existentialism is a movement in twentieth-century philosophy and literature that centers on the individual and his or her relationship to the universe or God. One of the leading exponents of existentialist thought was French novelist and philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre… Among the most famous and influential existentialist propositions is Sartre’s dictum, “existence precedes and rules essence,” which is generally taken to mean that there is no pre-defined essence to humanity except that which we make for ourselves.  

Existentialism   Does not acknowledge the existence of a god or of any other determining principle; human beings are free to do as they choose. Along with this freedom to choose, there is the responsibility for the consequences of one’s choices. With this responsibility comes a profound anguish or dread. Attempts to describe our desire to make rational decisions despite existing in an irrational universe. Unfortunately, life might be without inherent meaning (existential atheists) or it might be without a meaning we can understand (existential theists). Either way, the human desires for logic and immortality are futile. We are forced to define our own meanings, knowing they might be temporary.

Modernism Modernism is a literary and artistic movement from the 1890s through the 1940s that provided a radical break with traditional modes of Western art, thought, religion, social conventions, and morality. It was a movement away from realism and romanticism. Modern attitudes: The artist challenges tradition and reinvigorates it. The artist breaks away from patterned responses and predictable forms.

Modernism Modern themes: Attack on notions of hierarchy Experimentation in new forms of narrative, such as stream of consciousness Doubt about the existence of knowable, objective reality Attention to alternative viewpoints and modes of thinking Attention to the relationships between artist and audience and form and content

Theater of the Absurd Old rules (not always followed): Use of language as a tool of logical communication Cause-and-effect relationships New rules: New relationship between theme and presentation External world depicted as menacing, devouring, and unknown Settings and situations uncomfortable World incoherent, frightening, and strange

Literary Movements and Periods Absurd, literature of the Enlightenment Modernism Postcolonial literature Postmodernism Realism Romanticism Victorian Era Enlightenment Romanticism Realism Victorian Era Modernism Literature of the Absurd Postmodernism Postcolonial literature

Literary Movements and Periods Create a flow chart of the eight literary movements/periods we will be studying this year. Include the following for each movement: Arrow Dates Definition Explanation of how it was a reaction against the previous movement Example: Enlightenment (1660-1790) Romanticism (1798-1832) Celebrated spontaneity, imagination, subjectivity, and purity of nature. Intellectual; emphasized reason, progress, and liberty (Age of Reason). Reaction against restraint and universalism of Enlightenment.

Works Cited Abrams, M. H., Ed. “Modernism and Postmodernism.” A Glossary of Literary Terms. Boston: Thomson Wadsworth, 2005. Print. Arts Club Theatre Company. “Teacher Resource Guide: Waiting for Godot By Samuel Beckett.” 2005-2006. Web. 13 August 2012. Reuben, Paul P. "Chapter 7: Early Twentieth Century: American Modernism - An Introduction." PAL: Perspectives in American Literature- A Research and Reference Guide. 29 Oct. 2011. Web. 8 August 2012.