Existentialism sees humans as free and self determining agents who are products of existence rather than essence; nurture opposed to nature. ... This novel is not one of overt Existentialism like "The Childhood of a Leader-, I have no idea of Salinger's philosophical orientation, but it is implicit that Holden is capable of freely making many different choices and only when made can he learn about himself. ... In the same manner as Holden existentially defines himself through his actions, I believe that Gabriel's deeds in "The Dead- cause him to also exhibit existentialism. ... I...

• Word Count: 1213
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

In The Myth of Sisyphus Camus focused on the abstract individuals struggle to live life in recognition of the absurd, his theory is evolved in The Plague to focus on a communities struggle with the absurd and the solidarity found in the relationships and emotions between the people. Camus existential theory is developed in The Myth of Sisyphus when he explores "the one truly serious philosophical problem, and that is suicide" (Sisyphus 1). Individuals are faced with the question of suicide when they realize that life is dominated by obedience to habitual actions characterized through their ...

• Word Count: 2286
• Approx Pages: 9
• Grade Level: Undergraduate