This document discusses the theme of existentialism. It defines existentialism as a philosophy that emphasizes human freedom and responsibility. Some key factors that influence freedom of choice are listed. Major themes of existentialism are then outlined, including a focus on concrete human existence, existence preceding essence, moral individualism, authenticity, angst, freedom, and the absurd. The concepts of existence preceding essence and authenticity are further explained. Characteristics of theater of the absurd are also defined. Finally, some influential movies with existential themes are listed.

1. TOPIC :- THEME OF EXISTENTIALISM
• Name :- Hetal Dabhi
• Semester :-3
• Paper name :- 9 (The Modernist literature)
• year :- 2018-20
• Submitted to :- S. B Gardi Department of English, MKBU.

2. What is Existentialism?
Factors that affect freedom of
choice(Calderon, 2004):
1 Influence of the family, especially the
parents
2. Influence of peers and associates
3. Religious orientation
4. Social approval
5. Cultural patterns

3. Definitions of existentialism
The doctrine that existence take sprecedence over
essence and holding that man is totally free and
responsible for his acts. This responsibility is the source of
dread and anguish that encompassmankind (Webster's
new World Dictionary, 1979A ).

4. A philosophy that emphasizes the uniquenessand isolation
of the individual experience in ahostile or indifferent
universe, regards human existence as unexplainable, and
stresses freedom of choice and responsibility for the
consequences of one's acts.
American Heritage Dictionary of the EnglishLanguage, 1992

5. Major themes of Existentialism
1.Focus on concrete existence. 5. Angst
2.Existence precedes essence 6. Freedom
3.Moral individualism. 7.
Authenticity
4.Subjectivity. 8. The
absurd

6. 1.Focus on concrete existence
The common thread that unites existentialists is a focus
on existence, particularly the concrete existence of
individual human beings. ... They also consider the
consequences of the existence or nonexistence of God,
and what either possibility means for oursense of
freedom and responsibility.

7. 2. Existence Precedes Essence
Existentialism is the title of the set of philosophical
ideals that emphasize the existence of the human
being,the lack of meaning and purpose in life, and
the solitude of human existence... "Existence
precedes essence"implies that the human being has
no essence (no essentialself).

8. 3.Moral individualism
A predominant theme in his works was the idea that
the absence of God and belief in absolute standards
means that we are all free to reevaluate our values,
leading to the possibility of a new and lifeaffirming
morality that could replace the traditional and
decrepit Christianmorality which continued to
dominate.

9. * Authenticity
- One has to "find oneself" and then live
inaccordance with this self.
- The authentic act is one that is in accordance
with one's freedom.
- One should let one's actual values come into
play when one makes a choice, so that one can
take the responsibility for that act.

10. *Theater of the Absurd
Old rules (not always followed):-
Use of language as a tool of logical communication
Cause-and-effect relationships
New rules:- (1)New relationship between theme and
presentation (2)External world depicted as menacing,
devouring, and unknown (3)Settings and situations
uncomfortable (4)World incoherent, frightening, and
strange

11. Existentialism Influences inWestern Culture
Existentialism has always been closely associated
with narrative arts. Many movies are filled with
existential themes.The following movies are greatly
influenced by existentialism,
1.Blade Runner
2.Fight Club
3.Stranger Than Fiction
4.Superbad