1. Literary Criticism: Existentialism Essay and presentation by: Ámbar A. Betancourt González Ámbar A. Betancourt González

2. In general terms (facts and background information): ► Became popular after WWII ► Proposes that man is full of anxiety and despair with no meaning in his life, just simply existing ► Because of Existentialism we have the Theatre of the Absurd

3. Key Terms ► Absurd - a term used to describe existence--a world without inherent meaning or truth. ► Authenticity - to make choices based on an individual code of ethics (commitment) rather than because of societal pressures. A choice made just because "it's what people do" would be considered inauthentic. ► "Leap of faith" - although Kierkegaard acknowledged that religion was inherently unknowable and filled with risks, faith required an act of commitment (the "leap of faith"); the commitment to Christianity would also lessen the despair of an absurd world.

4. Forefathers of existentialism:

5. What is it? ► Existence as a problem. ► A philosophy. ► A way of life.

6. Questions ► Death ► Existence ► God ► Value ► Interpersonal relationships ► Self-reflection

7. Focus ► The individual

8. Beliefs ► Life is very difficult ► Life has no objective ► Life has no universally known value ► Existentialism is an act not a word.

9. In conclusion…

10. Thank you and Remember: The Rumanian apple guns of the night. (Get it? I end this with absurdism! JA!)