Existentialism in Franz Kafkas The Metamorphosis and The...

Existentialism in The Metamorphosis and The Hunger Artist Existentialism is a philosophy dealing with mans aloneness in the universe. Either there is no God or else God stands apart from man, leaving him free will to make his own choices. From this basic idea of man being alone in an uncertain and purposeless world, many related ideas have developed. One great worry of existentialist writers is that life is becoming too complicated and too impersonal. People become more and more involved with their work, which is taking them away from their friends, family, and culture. However, these provide the only meaning that life could possibly have. One author prominently known for his work with existential ideas was Franz†¦show more content†¦Kafka also uses the existential idea that mans fate is sometimes beyond mans control. In his stories, chance or destiny rules mans life. Gregor could not control his metamorphosis, just as he cannot control his new legs which waved helplessly before his eyes (1). The hunger artists fate is t o die of starvation, since as he says, I have to fast, I cant help it (8). Gregor dies; the artist dies. Their lack of control over their fates emphasizes mans helplessness and forlornness, to use Sartres term. For both Gregor and the hunger artist, work leads from dehumanization to death. Their deaths illustrate another theme of existentialist writing: that man, though alone, cannot survive by himself. He needs to interact as a member of society in order to give meaning to his life. Man needs mankind in order to be alive. Before his metamorphosis, Gregor was very much a loner. He got up at four every morning to travel all over the region to sell products, and he didnt have the time or the opportunity to make lasting friendships. Nor did he really try. In his free time, he read or did artwork, neither of which required anyone else. Nevertheless, Gregors employers did not understand that he was trying to do a good job. They thought that he was trying to cheat the company. His company treated him like a piece of machinery to be replaced at the first signShow MoreRelatedEssay about Existentialism2347 Words   |  10 Pagesseems obvious and easy to relate to. However, it perfectly de scribes the concept of existentialism, which is neither obvious nor relatable. Existentialism is â€Å"a modern philosophical movement stressing the importance of personal experience and responsibility and the demands that they make on the individual, who is seen as a free agent in a deterministic and seemingly meaningless universe† (â€Å"Existentialism†). Existentialism is a difficult philosophy to grasp, but by exploring examples in literature andRead MoreAnalysis Of Franz Kafka s Life1811 Words   |  8 PagesExistentialism is a philosophy that is often analyzed through literature. Franz Kafka is a key example of the limitless nature of this theme as his many works are divisive in how they connect with existentialism. Kafka is a unique storyteller and his stories have captivated generations since their publications. His background is important in understanding his seeming detachment from his writing. Kafka’s life is described by Ritchie Robertson in â⠂¬Å"Biography of Franz Kafka† as â€Å"strikingly ordinary†