Existential literature is like a mirror held up to the chaos of the human condition—staring deeply into it might not reveal a perfectly coiffed reflection, but you’ll certainly see some truth. These novels are not the cozy escape of a beach read or the heart-racing thrill of a crime thriller. Instead, they linger in the complex, tangled web of human emotions—where we’re all just trying to make sense of it all while juggling isolation, grief, and a little bit of hope.
What Exactly Makes a Novel “Existential”?
An existential novel isn’t just a book you read; it’s a book that reads you back. It sees through the polite layers of “everything’s fine” to the undercurrents of angst, confusion, and those moments when you stare blankly at the ceiling, wondering what the point of it all is. It deals with themes that make you uncomfortable, but that’s exactly why they’re worth diving into. The best existential novels are brimming with elements that bring out the raw, unfiltered essence of the human spirit. So, what ingredients make up this heady brew?
1. Nihilism: The Art of Shrugging at Meaning
Nihilism is the sassy younger sibling of existentialism, always muttering “nothing matters, anyway” under its breath. When you encounter nihilism in a novel, it’s often the voice that cuts through the noise, proclaiming that life is, in fact, meaningless. But instead of sinking into despair, the characters might find a strange freedom in that emptiness—a chance to define meaning for themselves. Think of it as clearing the slate to paint your own masterpiece, even if the brushes are a bit wonky.
Examples:
- The Stranger by Albert Camus: Meursault’s indifference to life’s events echoes the bleak outlook of nihilism.
- American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis: A stark portrayal of meaninglessness and the emptiness of materialism, laced with dark satire.
Quote:
“There is but one truly serious philosophical problem, and that is suicide.” — Albert Camus, The Myth of Sisyphus
2. Absurdism: Laughing Through the Madness
Absurdism tells us that trying to find meaning in life is like trying to teach a cat to play chess—pointless, but wildly entertaining to watch. The absurdist novel doesn’t shy away from chaos; it leans into it, acknowledging that the world makes no sense and reveling in the comedy of it all. It’s not just about the struggle to find purpose; it’s about embracing the fact that sometimes, the struggle itself is the purpose. (Think Kafka, but with a wink and a nod.)
Examples:
- Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett: A play about two characters waiting for someone who never arrives, showcasing the absurdity of hope and the futility of action.
- Catch-22 by Joseph Heller: The classic absurdist satire of the illogical rules governing life and war, highlighting how meaning is constantly slipping away.
Quote:
“The absurd is the essential concept and the first truth.” — Albert Camus, The Myth of Sisyphus
3. Cynicism and Skepticism: The Not-So-Gentle Reality Check
Cynicism and skepticism in existential literature serve as reality checks—like that one friend who tells you, “Actually, unicorns don’t exist, but you can still enjoy the glitter.” These elements poke holes in societal norms, traditional beliefs, and any grand illusion that suggests everything is fine and dandy. Cynicism exposes the cracks, while skepticism says, “Let’s not take anything at face value.” Together, they invite you to question everything—including yourself.
Examples:
- Notes from Underground by Fyodor Dostoevsky: A cynical diatribe against society’s pretensions, voiced by an unnamed narrator who lives on the fringes.
- Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut: A novel that oscillates between dark humor and despair, challenging ideas of war, free will, and reality itself.
Quote:
“I tell you, let no one go to school who wants to learn the truth about anything.” — Fyodor Dostoevsky, Notes from Underground
4. Isolation, Despair, and Longing: The Triumvirate of Existential Dread
These novels don’t pretend that life is all sunshine and rainbows. Instead, they place you in the shoes of characters who feel deeply, sometimes too deeply. Isolation isn’t just about physical loneliness; it’s about feeling like nobody else quite gets it. Despair? That’s the companion on those sleepless nights. And longing? It’s the eternal quest for something more, something better, even if you’re not sure what that “more” is. Existential literature lets you know it’s okay to feel lost—it’s the first step to finding your own path.
Examples:
- The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath: A deep dive into the mind of a young woman struggling with isolation, despair, and a longing for understanding.
- No Longer Human by Osamu Dazai: A haunting portrayal of a man who feels irreparably disconnected from society, leading to a sense of existential disillusionment.
Quote:
“I am I, and I wish I weren’t.” — Sylvia Plath, The Bell Jar
5. Suffering, Pain, Angst, and the Search for Meaning
Here’s the big one: existential literature doesn’t sugarcoat suffering. It serves it up straight, no chaser. But there’s beauty in that honesty. By confronting the darkest parts of life—pain, angst, confusion—these novels encourage readers to find meaning, not in spite of these things, but because of them. There’s a certain defiance in the way existential characters grapple with their suffering. They may not always find answers, but they keep asking the questions, which is, in itself, a kind of courage.
Examples:
- Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky: The journey of Raskolnikov through guilt, suffering, and the quest for redemption captures the torment of existential angst.
- Steppenwolf by Hermann Hesse: A tale of a man torn between his human side and his “wolf” nature, delving into profound spiritual and existential suffering.
Quote:
“Man is condemned to be free; because once thrown into the world, he is responsible for everything he does.” — Jean-Paul Sartre, Being and Nothingness
Why Read Existential Literature?
Why dive into novels that are sometimes grim, often chaotic, and always a little bit overwhelming? Because they ask the big questions: Who am I? What is my purpose? And what does it mean to live a good life? They encourage us to see beyond the routine, to confront our fears, and to make deliberate choices about how we live. You may not find all the answers, but you’ll emerge with a better understanding of the questions, and that’s a pretty solid place to start.
Embracing Hope and Resilience Through Darkness
Yes, existential literature often plunges into the dark, murky waters of suffering, despair, and isolation. But it also shines a light on the resilience and hope that emerge from this darkness. There is strength in acknowledging the struggles of existence. By confronting life’s toughest questions head-on, these novels show that even in the face of overwhelming odds, it is possible to find meaning and build something beautiful.
When a character rises from the depths of despair, it reflects our own ability to do the same. They might not have all the answers, but they keep searching. And that’s the essence of resilience—continuing the journey, even when the path is unclear. Existential literature reminds us that we have the freedom (and the power) to craft our own meaning, no matter how chaotic the world might be.
Final Thought: Embrace the Journey, Not Just the Destination
Reading existential novels isn’t about finding definitive answers; it’s about embracing the search. It’s about staring down the void, acknowledging it, and saying, “Alright, I see you—but I’m still going to build my own meaning out of this mess.” It’s not about having everything figured out. It’s about being okay with not having everything figured out, and finding joy in the chaos.
So go on, pick up an existential novel, and let it take you on a journey through the depths of human experience. You might find it uncomfortable, but you’ll also find it enlightening—and maybe even a little bit freeing.