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Apply major philosophical frameworks to literary analysis to deepen the interpretation of complex texts.
Does a book describe the world as it is, or as it should be—and if the universe is truly indifferent to our suffering, why do we keep writing stories about it?
In literary analysis, Existentialism posits that 'existence precedes essence.' This means characters are not born with a set purpose; they must create meaning through their actions. Jean-Paul Sartre argued that this freedom causes 'anguish.' Conversely, Nihilism suggests that life is inherently without objective meaning or value. When analyzing a text like The Stranger or Waiting for Godot, we look for the Absurd—the conflict between humanity's search for meaning and the 'silent,' meaningless universe. If a character finds a personal reason to live despite the void, they are an existential hero; if they succumb to the pointlessness, they embody nihilism.
Consider a character in a dystopian novel who realizes their government is a sham. 1. Nihilist Approach: The character concludes that since the system is broken and life ends anyway, they will do nothing and wait for the end. 2. Existentialist Approach: The character acknowledges the system is a sham but chooses to join a rebellion, not because they are 'destined' to, but because the act of choosing defines their humanity.
Quick Check
What is the primary difference between an existentialist character and a nihilist character?
Answer
An existentialist character creates their own meaning through choice, while a nihilist character believes no meaning can exist.
Critical lenses often focus on power. Marxist Theory examines literature as a reflection of the class struggle. It looks at the Base (economic means of production) and the Superstructure (culture, law, and art). A Marxist reading asks: 'Who benefits from the status quo in this story?' Feminist Theory investigates how literature reinforces or undermines the Patriarchy. It explores the 'male gaze' and whether female characters possess Agency—the capacity to act independently. When these lenses intersect, we see how economic status and gender combine to marginalize or empower individuals within a narrative.
Applying these lenses to F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic: 1. Marxist Lens: Analyze Gatsby not as a romantic hero, but as a victim of a class system where 'old money' (Tom Buchanan) will always destroy 'new money' to protect its social capital. 2. Feminist Lens: Focus on Daisy Buchanan. Is she a 'beautiful little fool' by choice, or is she a commodity traded between powerful men in a society that offers her no real economic autonomy?
Quick Check
In Marxist theory, what is the relationship between the 'Base' and the 'Superstructure'?
Answer
The Base (economy) determines the Superstructure (culture/art), meaning literature often reflects the economic interests of the ruling class.
Does a poem have to be 'good' (moral) to be 'good' (beautiful)? This is the debate between Ethics and Aesthetics. The movement of Aestheticism claimed art should be judged solely on its beauty ('Art for art's sake'). However, contemporary critics often argue that aesthetics are inseparable from ethics. If a novel is beautifully written but promotes harmful ideologies, can it still be considered a masterpiece? We use the formula , where is Aesthetic value, is Ethical weight, and is the total literary Value. This intersection forces us to confront whether the 'form' of a text can ever be truly neutral.
Analyzing a controversial contemporary work: 1. Identify the Aesthetic achievements (e.g., innovative stream-of-consciousness, vivid imagery). 2. Identify the Ethical concerns (e.g., the romanticization of a predatory relationship). 3. Synthesize: Does the technical brilliance () justify the moral harm (), or does the ethical failure diminish the aesthetic achievement? There is no single answer, but the analysis must weigh both variables.
Which philosophical concept is defined by the phrase 'existence precedes essence'?
A critic analyzing the 'male gaze' in a 19th-century poem is most likely using which lens?
In the debate between ethics and aesthetics, 'Aestheticism' argues that art must serve a moral purpose.
Review Tomorrow
In 24 hours, try to recall the difference between the Marxist 'Base' and 'Superstructure' and how they apply to a book you've recently read.
Practice Activity
Watch a popular movie or read a short story today. Try to identify one 'Existential' choice made by the protagonist and one way the 'Aesthetics' of the film/story influence your 'Ethical' judgment of the characters.