Condemned to freedom : existentialism in late twentieth century american literature though Jon Krakauer's " Into the wild"
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Date
2016
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university of Oum El Bouaghi
Abstract
This dissertation joins a vibrant examination about the depiction of existential philosophy in late twentieth century american literature. It scouts about the portrayal of existential tenets through Jon Krakauer's Into the Wild. To explore this sketch, this dissertation uses existential theory in order to analyse this novel. The critical texts applied are Jean-Paul Sartre' Being and Nothingness, and Martin Buber's I and Thou. The ideas of alienation, freedom, authenticity, 'I-Thou' and 'I-It' are the major concepts applied on Krakauer's work. The first chapter is mainly theoretical which explicates the tenets and thoughts of acclaimed existentialists, their contribution to existential literature, and eventually to the whole philosophy as becoming a lionized literary movement. The second chapter argues that the Sartrean existential ideals of alienation, freedom, and authenticity are displayed through the protagonist of Into the Wild Christopher McCandless. When it comes to the third chapter, it argues that Into the Wild showcases the two Buberian different realms of relationships, 'I-Thou' and 'I-It', directly experienced by the same protagonist. By existentially dissecting Krakauer's work, it is demonstrated that the novel articulates the awareness of existentialism in its character as well as its plot. It is clarified that the novel embodies all the existential concepts mentioned above. As a conclusion, Into the Wild's protagonist emphasizes the fact that existentialism is a way of life rather than just a philosophical movement. He proves that the societal values which the writer criticises does not define his true being. He bears the burden of freedom and uses it to mould an utter authentic existence. The novel also belays that despite any kind of status, and under any circumstances, life is relational rather than individualistic.
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Keywords
Existential philosophy : american literature, Novel : Jon Krakkauer : into the wild