The Guest & Drunken Woman Philosophy, Politics and the Self

Camus & Three Philosophical Movements Existentialism: A belief that neither human beings nor the universe has any essential nature. Humans construct their natures through their choices. Absurdism: A belief that our need for meaning is greater than the ability of the universe to be meaningful - all philosophical positions absurd. Moralism: A philosophical enquiry into the ethical implications of the human condition.

Camus’ Existential Moralism Human beings inhabit a universe in which there are no absolute guidelines; however, we have an ethical sense that we try to live up to. Life constantly presents us with moral choices without giving us the right answers The various ways that we try to define and construct a moral code and then live by it constitute our moral being Once that code is established, we define ourselves as moral beings by the choices that we make within the ethical system that we construct.

Daru’s Choice Daru’s choice of whether to take the Arab prisoner to be executed or to set him free represents the kinds of moral choices that we all make: there are no solid guidelines for him to use, but there are genuine moral implications to whatever he decides. Think of the politics of his country and the ramifications for his school if he refuses, but then what about his conscience if he complies?

The Arab’s Choice The Arab’s choice represents the existential choice that we all make. He is given complete freedom to live or die, but chooses execution. Is it because death is preferable to the discomfort of real, meaningful freedom? Or could there be another reason? Being a martyr or obligations of the guest?

Clarice Lispector Intensely feminine writer who articulates the needs and concerns of every woman in pursuit of self-awareness. Introspective writings, questioning of human relationships and the social constraints which threaten rather than foster meaningful communication saw the human condition as flawed, fragmentary and incomplete; the darker side of our nature as being compounded of fear, revulsion, cruelty and hatred. she set about trying to reconcile freedom with restraint, humility with pride, solitude with the need to communicate. Strength had to be drawn from weakness, human reversals transformed into salvation. A belief that the problem of existence is often of language itself.

Daydreams of a Drunken Woman Why do we drink? Because we are happy or unhappy? Story illustrates various stages of Inebriation Story also shows us visions of ourselves while drunk, how we perceive others, and how others perceive us What happens when it’s all over? What has changed?