A Guide to Literary Genres - Sykalo Eugen 2023

Absurdism

Definition: Absurdism is a philosophical and literary movement that emerged in the mid-20th century, primarily influenced by existentialism. Absurdist literature explores the inherent meaninglessness and irrationality of human existence, often presenting characters trapped in absurd situations where their attempts to find meaning are futile. It reflects the existential condition of individuals grappling with the absurdity of life and the universe.

Key Features of Absurdism in Literature:

1. Exploration of the Absurd: Absurdist literature delves into the absurdity of human existence. Characters often find themselves in situations that defy rational explanation or meaningful interpretation.

2. Philosophical Inquiry: Absurdist works engage in philosophical inquiry, questioning the search for meaning, the nature of reality, and the limits of human understanding.

3. Incongruity and Contradiction: Absurdist literature frequently employs incongruity and contradiction to highlight the irrational and absurd aspects of life. This can manifest in both language and narrative structure.

4. Humor and Irony: Despite its serious themes, absurdist literature often uses humor and irony to convey the absurdity of human behavior and societal norms.

5. Rejection of Conventional Structure: Absurdist works may reject conventional narrative structures, opting for fragmented or nonlinear storytelling that mirrors the disjointed nature of existence.

6. Sense of Alienation: Characters in absurdist literature often experience a sense of alienation and isolation due to their inability to find meaning in their surroundings.

7. Exploration of Identity: Absurdist literature may explore questions of identity, the self, and the quest for self-understanding in a universe devoid of clear purpose.

Representatives of Absurdist Literature:

1. Albert Camus (1913—1960): A French philosopher and writer known for his novel "The Stranger" and philosophical essay "The Myth of Sisyphus." His works explore the concept of the absurd and the human response to it.

2. Samuel Beckett (1906—1989): An Irish playwright and novelist famous for his play "Waiting for Godot." Beckett's works often depict characters in absurd and repetitive situations.

3. Eugène Ionesco (1909—1994): A Romanian-French playwright known for his plays "The Bald Soprano" and "Rhinocéros." His works showcase the absurdity of language and the dehumanizing influence of conformity.

4. Harold Pinter (1930—2008): A British playwright known for his "comedies of menace." His works, such as "The Birthday Party" and "The Homecoming," explore the absurdity and menace of everyday interactions.

5. Franz Kafka (1883—1924): A Czech writer whose works often exhibit absurdist themes, depicting characters caught in nightmarish and nonsensical situations. His novels "The Trial" and "The Metamorphosis" are quintessential examples.

6. Jean Genet (1910—1986): A French playwright and novelist who explored themes of identity, sexuality, and social marginalization in works like "The Maids" and "The Balcony."

These representatives showcase the key features of absurdist literature, highlighting its exploration of meaninglessness, irrationality, and the existential condition of individuals attempting to navigate an absurd world.