1. “How Far is Literature a Successful Chariot
for Existentialism? A Study Based on the Works of
Nietzsche, Camus and Kafka”
DISSERTATION
Submitted to St. Thomas’ College (Autonomous), Thrissur, affiliated to the University of
Calicut, for the partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of
MASTER OF ARTS
IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE
BY
SHEJIN POULOSE
REG. NO. 14P1EN17
Department of English
St. Thomas’ College (Autonomous), Thrissur.
2014-2016.

2. Dr. Viju M. J.
Assistant Professor
Research Centre
Department of English
St. Thomas` College
Thrissur 680 001
CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that this dissertation entitled “How Far is Literature a Successful Chariot
for Existentialism? A Study Based on the Works of Nietzsche, Camus and Kafka” is a
bonafide record of the original research work carried out by SHEJIN POULOSE, with the
University Register Number 14P1EN17, during the academic year 2014-2016, under my
guidance and supervision and submitted to the University of Calicut in partial fulfillment of
requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in English Language and Literature.
Thrissur
13-04-2016 Dr. Viju M. J.

3. DECLARATION
I hereby declare that this dissertation entitled “How Far is Literature a Successful
Chariot for Existentialism? A Study Based on the Works of Nietzsche, Camus and
Kafka” is a record of the research carried out by me, which is submitted in partial fulfilment
of the requirements for the award of the Degree of Master of Arts, is my original research
work and that no part of it has previously formed the basis for the award of any Degree,
Diploma, or any other similar title.
Thrissur SHEJIN POULOSE
13-04-2016 14P1EN17

4. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Firstly, I would like to thank God for being with me always. My deepest gratitude is
to my supervisor, Dr. Viju M. J. I am really fortunate to have an advisor like him. He was
with me throughout this project work. Despite of his busy schedule, he always made time to
listen my views and doubts. When I am in need he always provided all the necessary
materials. His constant motivation and encouragement is the only reason for the fulfilment of
this thesis. I am grateful to express my thanks for clearing all my doubts and mistakes
patiently. I am thankful for his aspiring guidance, invaluable criticism and friendly advice
during the project work.
I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to Dr. Anto Thomas, our HOD for his
support and motivation. I am very glad to acknowledge my sincere gratitude to our tutor,
Mrs. Anu Paul. She was always a good mentor to us. I would like to extend my thanks to
Dr.C.J. Davees for his lectures on existentialism, which were an inspiration to me to know
more about movement and its works. I would like to extend my deep sense of gratitude to Dr.
Raphael Joseph for sharing his knowledge and findings on modernity and its existential
influences. My special thanks to the entire Department faculty members for their help and
support.
I am really happy to express my respect and love to my parents for their valuable
suggestions and support. And special thanks to my sister for her care and love. Last but not
the least, I like to thank all my dear friends for their valuable advices, corrections,
encouraging words and making my life colourful.
Shejin Poulose

5. CONTENTS
Introduction …………………………………………….. 5
Chapter 1 ……………………………………………… 7
Chapter 2 …………………………………………….. 17
Chapter 3……………………………………………… 33
Chapter 4……………………………………………… 49
Chapter 5……………………………………………. 66
Conclusion ……………………………………………. 80
Works cited ……………………………………………. 83