ENGLISH 105

LITERARY CRITICISM

Instructor
Socorro Lagura Neri, PhD
 Topic Outline
1. APPROACHES TO LITERARY CRITICISM, Nature
and Concept
2. MARXIST THEORY AND CRITICISM
3. ARCHETYPAL THEORY AND CRITICISM
4. PSYCHOANALYTIC THEORY AND
CRITICISM
5. EXISTENTIAL THEORY AND CRITICIM
Approaches to Literary Criticism
Literary criticism is the practice of
interpreting and writing about
literature as the latter, in turn, strives
to make sense of the world.
Literary interpretation is often influenced by a
person’s perspective. A female, for example,
may have a stronger reaction to an
individualized, feminist character than a
chauvinist male might.
Literary Criticism is broken down into three
major categories:
 Emphasis on the Text
 Emphasis on the Source
 Emphasis on the Receiver
 LITERARY CRITICISM

1. MARXIST THEORY AND CRITICISM

2. ARCHETYPAL THEORY AND CRITICISM
3. PSYCHOANALYTIC THEORY AND CRITICISM
4. EXISTENTIAL THEORY AND CRITICIM
 MARXIST THEORY AND CRITICISM

Marxism a socio-political and economic theory

developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. It is
centered around the idea of class struggle and the
eventual overthrow of capitalism through a proletarian
revolution.
 MARXIST THEORY AND CRITICISM

A Marxist critics' concern with a literary text,

will be to examine the narrative and character's
ways of getting and keeping economic power is
the motive behind all social and political
activities, including education, philosophy,
religion, government, the arts, science,
technology, the media, and so on.
Key Points of Marxism Theory

1. Class Struggle: Marxism posits that society is divided into two

main classes - the bourgeoisie, who own the means of production,
and the proletariat, who sell their labor to the bourgeoisie. The
relationship between these classes is one of exploitation, with the
bourgeoisie extracting surplus value from the labor of the
proletariat.
This happened so because of class consciousness
 According to Marx’ theory of materialism the class consciousness
is a product of the economic life conditions in society. Political
ideas, mentality, religion and morality are all formed by the material
aspect of being. The dominant ideology is the one preached by the
ruling class- bourgeoisie
 Key Points of Marxism Theory

2.Historical Materialism: Marxists believe that history is shaped by the

material conditions of society, particularly the mode of production.
According to historical materialism, as the contradictions within the
capitalist system intensify, the proletariat will become increasingly
conscious of their exploitation and the need for revolutionary change.
 Key Points of Marxism Theory

3. The Revolution: The narrative of Marxism theory culminates in

the concept of revolution. Marx and Engels argued that the
proletariat, organized and united, would rise up against the
bourgeoisie, seize control of the means of production, and
establish a classless society based on common ownership and
cooperation.
THE REVOLUTION

Marx came to a conclusion that at a certain stage of development,

the material productive forces of society come into conflict. Then
begins an era of social revolution. The changes in the economic
foundation lead sooner or later to the transformation of the whole
immense superstructure. The new class and the new relations of
production can triumph only when the old power will be abolished by
force, because no social class would give up its privileged position
voluntarily. The proletariat has nothing to lose in this fight since the
bourgeoisie does not have any chance to win it.
His famous sentence wrote in end of Manifesto of the Communist
Party: “Proletarians of all countries, unite!”, clearly shows his pursuit to
combine the aspirations and goals of the working class.
 Key Points of Marxism Theory

4.Dictatorship of the Proletariat: Following the revolution,

Marxists envision a transitional period known as the dictatorship
of the proletariat. During this phase, the proletariat, as the ruling
class, would reorganize society, dismantle capitalist institutions,
and pave the way for the eventual withering away of the state.
 Key Points of Marxism Theory

5. Communism: Ultimately, the narrative of Marxism theory leads

to the establishment of communism, a stateless and classless
society where the principle of "from each according to his ability,
to each according to his needs" prevails. In this utopian vision,
private property is abolished, and individuals are free to develop
their full potential in a society based on equality and solidarity.
 Key Points of Marxism Theory

The narrative of Marxism theory, with its focus on revolution

and the emancipation of the working class, continues to be a
significant influence in political thought and social movements
around the world.
 Foundation questions of Marxit Approach

1. What classes, or socio economic statuses are represented in

the text?
2. Are all the segment of society accounted for, or does the text
exclude a particular class?
3. Does class restrict or empower the characters in the text?
4. How does the text depict a struggle between class of how
does a class contribute to the conflict of the text?
 Foundation questions of Marxit Approach

1. What classes, or socio economic statuses are

represented in the text?
 Examines how characters and their interactions
reflect different social classes or socioeconomic
positions within society
 Uncovers underlying themes of power dynamics,
inequality and effects of economic systems such as
capitalism on individuals and communities portrayed
in the text
 Explores how the text reflect or critiques the
dominant social and economic structures of its time.
 Foundation questions of Marxit Approach

2. Are all the segment of society accounted for, or does the text
exclude a particular class?
 This examines whether the text portrays a comprehensive representation of
different social classes or if it neglects to include certain socioeconomic.
 It seeks to uncover whether the text reflects the full spectrum of societal
experiences and perspectives, or if it focuses primarily on one class while
marginalizing or ignoring others.
 By considering which classes are represented and which are absent, Marxist
critics can discern the author’s perspective on social hierarchy, power dynamics,
and economic disparities within the narrative.
 Foundation questions of Marxit Approach

3. Does class restrict or empower the characters in the text?

This delves into how the characters’ social class influences their agency,
opportunities, and limitations within the narrative.
This analysis seeks to uncover whether the characters’ socioeconomic status
acts as a barrier that constraints their actions, aspirations, and social mobility, or
if it provides them with advantages and privileges that empower them in the story.
 By examining how class dynamics shape the characters’ experiences and
choices, Marxist critics can explore the broader themes of social inequality,
economic oppression, and the impacts of capitalism depicted in the text.
 Foundation questions of Marxit Approach

4. How does the text depict a struggle between class of how

does a class contribute to the conflict of the text?
 It focuses on identifying and examining the conflicts and tensions arising from
social class differences within the narrative.
 This analysis seeks to uncover instances where characters from different
socioeconomic backgrounds clash over resources, power or ideology, reflecting
the broader struggle between social classes as outlined in Marxist theory.
1. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The
Hunger Games

2. Kalupi by Benjamin Pascual,

3. Sandaang Damit by Fanny Garcia,
4. Tong by F. Sionil Jose,
5. The Money Changer by Hammed Bolotaolo
6. Ardor by Alexis A. L. Abola
7. El Filibusterismo
8. Noli Mi TAngere
Influence of Marxist theory to Criticism

 It is through the theories of class struggle, politics, and economics that

Marxist literary criticism emerged. The thought behind Marxist criticism
is that works of literature are mere products of history that can be
analyzed by looking at the social and material conditions in which they
were constructed
 Literary critics began to explore how literature reflects and reinforces
societal power dynamics, ideologies, and class struggles.
 Marx's emphasis on the material conditions of society and the role of
literature in both reflecting and shaping those conditions laid the
foundation for Marxist literary criticism.
ARCHETYPAL THEORY AND CRITICISM
 ARCHETYPE
 comes from “arch,” both an adjective and a prefix, and “type,” a noun
 “Arch” as an adjective means “chief” or “principal.”
 As a prefix, it refers to “highest” or “most important.”

“Type,” from the Latin “typus,” means an “image” or “impression.”


 • “Archetype” (ARK-uh-type) comes from
the Greek word “Archetypos” which
means original pattern.
ARCHETYPE • The concept “archetype” was first
introduced by a Swiss psychologist
named Carl Gustav Jung who
described archetypes as images,
figures, character types, settings, and
story patterns that recurs throughout
literature and are universally
ARCHETYPAL
LITERARY THEORY AND
ARCHETYPAL THEORY AND CRITICISM

The word “archetype” comes from a Greek word

“achetypos” which means original pattern. This concept can be
applied to literature through the identification of recurring
concept or elements of prose and poetry in a certain text or, in
other words, archetypes.

In literature, an archetype, also known as “universal symbol”,

is a representation of a character, an action, a situation, a
theme, a symbol or a setting that is typical to the eyes of the
readers.
 • It revolves around the identification of the
archetypal figures.
• The meaning of a literature is based on
ARCHETYPE cultural and psychological myths.
Archetypal criticism is a product of both cultural anthropology and
psychoanalysis which are academic fields that might seem to be far
from the concept of archetypal criticism.
James Frazer and Carl Jung- Study the Archetypal Theory

As a psychological phenomenon, human race unconsciously used

recurrent figures, symbols, themes, plots or images that are
common to and universal for all. Jung describe this
as archetypes from a Greek prefix “arche-” meaning beginning
and “typos” meaning imprint.
 Archetypes are embedded
deep in humanity's “collective
unconscious” or memory of
universal experiences. Humans
have a set of hard-wired
expectations and preferences
CARL JUNG
about stories.

ARCHETYPAL
LITERARY THEORY AND
Nature of this Theory

The main characteristic of this theory is that it revolves

around the identification of the archetypal figures within the
texts and argues that these archetypes determine the form
and function of the text. Therefore, the meaning of a
literature is based on cultural and psychological myths.
TYPES OF ARCHETYPES
 TYPES OF ARCHETYPES

1. CHARACTER ARCHETYPES

 These are recurring character types that represent

universal aspects of human nature and experience.
Character archetypes often embody specific values, traits,
or roles, and serve to express the human condition in a
relatable and recognizable manner.
 Character
Archetypes
HERO ANTI-HERO TRICKSTER
Character Archetypes
Coming up with unique and interesting characters is a challenge for any author. But there are certain
character archetypes on which nearly every character is based. Check out these examples of archetypes
that you’re likely to see in adventure stories, romance novels, suspenseful movies, and epic narratives.
•The Bully - Intimidates others
•The Creature of Nightmare - Threatens the hero's life
•The Damsel in Distress - The hero rescues her
•The Devil Figure - Tempts the hero
•Dreamer - Wants to be something else
•The Evil Genius - Seeks revenge and hates all
•Friendly Beast - Assists the hero
•The Hero - Main character who may fulfill a task or bring justice
•The Initiates - Need training to become heroes
•Martyr - Willing to die for a cause
•Mentors - Train and counsel the initiates
•The Outcast - Exiled for a crime and becomes a wanderer
•The Star-Crossed Lovers - The pair usually meet tragedy
•Survivor - Never gives up and always pulls through
•The Temptress - A beautiful woman who seduces the hero
•Tyrant - Wants to be in charge
•Wizard - Has special powers
William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is one of the most
famous examples of the Star-Crossed Lovers. In fact, the
prologue explicitly name them as Star-Crossed Lovers:

A pair of star-crossed lovers take their life,

Whose misadventured piteous overthrows
Doth with their death bury their parents' strife.

Even though Romeo and Juliet love each other very much,
their outcome defines them as the tragic archetype. This
archetype is still common today, from movies
like Titanic (1997) and Broadway shows like West Side Story,
which is a modern remake of Romeo and Juliet.
 TYPES OF ARCHETYPES

2. SYMBOLIC ARCHETYPES

 These are recurring symbols or motifs that carry universal

meanings and associations. which help to convey abstract
concepts and ideas in a more tangible and accessible
form.
 Symbolic
Archetypes
Symbolic Archetypes
There’s a reason why most villains wear black and most heroes wear white. Archetypes that take the form of colors,
elements, shapes, and natural events are known as symbolic archetypes. Using symbolic archetypes is an effective
way to establish the story a writer is trying to tell.
You may see these symbolic archetypes in stories and movies:
•Light - Hope or renewal
•Dark - Despair or ignorance
•Water - Birth and life
•Haven - Safety
•Wilderness - Danger
•Fire - Knowledge, rebirth
•Ice - Death, ignorance
•Black - Evil, mystery
•Red - Passion, blood
•Green - The earth, growth
•White - Purity, peace, innocence
•Three - Trinity; mind, body, spirit
•Four - Seasons, elements
•Square - Stability
•Circle - Heaven, perfection, eternity
•Spiral - Cosmic motion, growth
•Clouds - Mystery
•Rain - Change
•Lightning - Inspiration
•Hourglass - Time passing
•Heart - Love
3. SITUATIONAL ARCHETYPES

The hero embarks on a journey to achieve a goal.

THE QUEST
Ex. Homer’s “The Odyssey,” and J.K. Rowling’s “Harry
Potter” series.

THE INITIATION It involves a character undergoing a rite of passage

or transformation, marked by challenges, and
personal growth.
Ex. the coming-of-age stories in J.D. Salinger’s “The
THE FALL It involves
Catcher a character’s
in the Rye” descent from a higher to a
lower state, often due to a moral or ethical failing.
Ex. the downfall of Macbeth in William Shakespeare’s
“Macbeth,” ARCHETYPAL
ENG. LITERARY THEORY AND
SITUATIONAL ARCHETYPES

These are common situations or plot structures that recur

throughout literature, often reflecting universal themes and
conflicts.
Situation Archetypes
If you’ve ever heard that there are only a few types of stories to be told, you’ve likely heard about situation
archetypes. These plotlines include specific movements and plot twists, leading up to the inevitable ending.
Understand which situation archetype you’re reading to determine the story’s theme and type of conflict.
Common situation archetypes include:
•Battle of Good and Evil - Good ultimately triumphs
•Death and Rebirth - Shows the circle of life
•Innate Wisdom vs. Educated Stupidity - A character will have intuition and knowledge that is better than
those in charge
•The Initiation - A character matures and takes responsibility
•The Hero’s Journey - The hero confronts trials along the way
•The Magic Weapon - The hero has the ability to use this to be successful in the quest or to prove he or she
is the chosen one
•Rags to Riches - A character rises from poor luck or station to a higher one
•Riches to Rags - A character falls from their station
•Nature vs. Mechanistic World - This has nature as being good and technology as bad
•The Quest - The search for someone or something
•The Task - Something that must be done
4. THEMATIC ARCHERTYPES
 These are recurring themes or ideas that address
universal aspects of the human experience, such as
love, death, or the struggle between good and evil.
Thematic Archetypes

LOVE AND SACRIFICE

Setting Archetypes
Have you ever read a horror story that happened in the middle of the day? Probably not very often, since “dark
and scary nights” tend to be where horror movies take place. Understanding the archetypes associated with
different settings can be helpful in reinforcing tone, foreshadowing, and theme.
Some common examples of setting archetypes include:

•The Garden - Symbolizes love and fertility

•The Forest - Can be a wild place with dangers and beasts; it can also be a place to reconnect with nature
•The River - Water symbolizes life, and the river can show life's journey or boundaries
•The Sea - Can be both good and evil, with dangers and treasures. It can also show infinity
•The Island - Symbolizes isolation
•The Mountain - Climbing up can represent a spiritual journey
•The Wasteland - A place for cleansing and finding inner strength
•The Tower - Represents worship or power
•The Small Town - This is where everyone knows everyone and judges them, so it represents intolerance
HOW TO USE ARCHETYPAL APPROACH IN LITERATURE

STEP 1:Identify the existing archetypes in a literature.(Ex. image, character

trait, color, or symbol)
STEP2: Define the meaning of the existing archetype.(Ex. Sword =
Cross/Divine Intervention)
STEP 3: Identify some other literary piece where the archetype was used.
Connect them. (Ex. Sword = Beowulf/King Arthur)
STEP 4 Find the theme, tone and motifs using your identified archetypes.

You also can now see the connection of culture, myths and other recurring
ideas to the piece of literature you criticized.
 IMPORTANCE OF
• Archetypes ARCHETYPES
are part of the key to what makes a
story compelling.
• Archetypes determine the function and structure
of a literary piece of art.
• Archetypes are deeply ingrained in our collective
psyche, and their presence in literature helps
create a sense of familiarity and connection for
readers.
\
PSYCHOANALYSIS
PSYCHOANALYSIS

is a comprehensive psychological theory and

therapeutic method developed by Sigmund Freud in
the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It seeks to
explore the unconscious mind and its influence on
behavior, thoughts, emotions, and personality.
The primary aim of psychoanalysis is to bring
unconscious conflicts and repressed memories into
conscious awareness, thereby allowing individuals to
gain insight into their inner workings and resolve
psychological distress.

LITERARY THEORY AND

Key Components

UNCONSCIOUS MIND:
 Freud proposed that a significant portion of
human mental activity occurs at an unconscious
level, inaccessible to conscious awareness. This
unconscious realm harbors repressed desires,
traumatic experiences, and unresolved conflicts
that shape an individual's thoughts and
behaviors.
DEFENSE MECHANISMS:
 Psychoanalysis identifies various
defense mechanisms—such as
repression, denial, projection, and
displacement—that the ego employs to
protect the individual from anxiety-
provoking thoughts and emotions
originating from the unconscious.
PSYCHOSEXUAL DEVELOPMENT:
 Freud theorized that human development progresses
through distinct psychosexual stages—oral, anal,
phallic, latency, and genital—each characterized by
the focus of libidinal energy and specific
developmental tasks. Conflicts unresolved during
these stages can lead to psychological issues in
adulthood.
STRUCTURAL MODEL OF THE MIND:
 Freud proposed a structural model of the mind
consisting of three components: the id, ego, and
superego. The id operates on the pleasure principle,
seeking immediate gratification of instincts, while
the ego operates on the reality principle, mediating
between the id's demands and external reality. The
superego represents internalized societal norms
and moral values.
FREE ASSOCIATION AND DREAM ANALYSIS:
 Psychoanalysis employs techniques like free
association, where patients freely express
thoughts and feelings without censorship, and
dream analysis, which involves interpreting the
symbolic content of dreams to uncover
unconscious conflicts and desires.
TRANSFERENCE AND COUNTERTRANSFERENCE:
 Transference occurs when patients project feelings and
attitudes onto the therapist that originated in past
significant relationships. Countertransference refers to
the therapist's emotional reactions toward the patient,
which may stem from unresolved issues within the
therapist.

THERAPEUTIC RELATIONSHIP:
 Central to psychoanalysis is the therapeutic relationship
between the analyst and the patient. Through a process
of exploration, interpretation, and insight, the analyst
helps the patient uncover unconscious conflicts, gain self-
understanding, and resolve psychological difficulties.
 LITERARY PIECES WHICH CAN BE ANALYZED THROUGH
PSYCHOANALYTIC THEORY
1. "THE CATCHER IN THE RYE" BY J.D. SALINGER
·This coming-of-age novel follows the protagonist, Holden Caulfield, as he navigates
adolescence and struggles with identity, alienation, and loss. ·Psychoanalytic analysis can
explore Holden's psychological development, defense mechanisms, and unresolved conflicts,
shedding light on his rebellious behavior and emotional struggles.
2. "JANE EYRE" BY CHARLOTTE BRONTË
·This classic novel tells the story of Jane Eyre, an orphaned governess who faces hardship and
oppression but ultimately finds love and independence. ·Psychoanalytic analysis can examine
Jane's relationship with authority figures, her search for identity and belonging, and the
symbolism of the "madwoman in the attic" as manifestations of repressed desires and societal
constraints.
3. "THE BELL JAR" BY SYLVIA PLATH
·This semi-autobiographical novel follows Esther Greenwood, a young woman grappling with
depression, identity, and societal expectations in the 1950s. ·Psychoanalytic analysis can
explore Esther's internal struggles, her sense of alienation, and her descent into mental
illness, shedding light on themes of femininity, sexuality, and existential despair.
 LITERARY PIECES WHICH CAN BE ANALYZED THROUGH
PSYCHOANALYTIC THEORY
4. "THE METAMORPHOSIS" BY FRANZ KAFKA
·This novella tells the story of Gregor Samsa, who wakes up one morning to find himself
transformed into a giant insect.
·Psychoanalytic analysis can interpret Gregor's transformation as a symbolic representation of
his inner turmoil, alienation, and feelings of inadequacy, reflecting themes of existential angst
and the human condition.
5. "BELOVED" BY TONI MORRISON
·This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel explores the legacy of slavery and the psychological trauma
it inflicts on individuals and families.
·Psychoanalytic analysis can examine the characters' experiences of trauma, repression, and
haunting memories, shedding light on the intergenerational effects of slavery and the quest
for healing and reconciliation.
6. "WUTHERING HEIGHTS" BY EMILY BRONTË
·This Gothic novel depicts the passionate and destructive love between Heathcliff and
Catherine Earnshaw, set against the backdrop of the Yorkshire moors. ·Psychoanalytic analysis
can explore the characters' unconscious desires, conflicts, and defense mechanisms,
illuminating the themes of obsession, revenge, and the destructive power of love.
7. "ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF SOLITUDE" BY GABRIEL GARCÍA MÁRQUEZ
·This magical realist novel chronicles the Buendía family over seven generations in the
fictional town of Macondo.
·Psychoanalytic analysis can interpret the characters' recurring patterns of behavior, their
unresolved familial conflicts, and the symbolism of magical elements as manifestations of
 Questions which maybe used to analyze a text from a psychoanalytic perspective
1. What are the unconscious desires, fears, and conflicts of the
characters?
2. How do the characters’ early experiences and relationships shape
their personalities and behaviors?
3. What are the symbolic meanings of key objects, events, or settings
in the text?
4. How do the characters’ dreams of fantasies reveal their unconscious
desires and conflicts?
5. Do the characters exhibit defense mechanisms in their thought,
actions, or relationships?
6. Are there instances of the Oedipus complex, Electra complex or
other psychosexual conflicts in the text?
7. How do gender identity, sexuality, and power dynamics manifest in
the text?
8. What role does the unconscious mind paly in shaping the narrative
structure, themes, or character development
9. How do readers’ unconscious desires, fears, and projections
ADVANTAGES PF PSCHOANALYSIS

DEPTH OF ANALYSIS: Psychoanalytic criticism delves deeply into the

psychological motivations, desires, and conflicts of characters, uncovering layers
of meaning that may not be apparent on the surface. It offers a rich
understanding of the unconscious mind and its influence on behavior and
narrative.
INSIGHT INTO CHARACTERS: By applying psychoanalytic concepts such as the id,
ego, superego, and defense mechanisms, critics can gain insight into characters'
personalities, motivations, and relationships, providing a nuanced understanding
of their actions and development.
EXPLORATION OF SYMBOLISM: Psychoanalytic criticism examines symbols,
metaphors, and imagery in literature to uncover their latent meanings and
associations, revealing the deeper psychological and emotional dimensions of
the text.
INTERDISCIPLINARY PERSPECTIVE: Psychoanalytic criticism draws on insights
from psychology, psychotherapy, and literary theory, offering an interdisciplinary
approach that enriches the analysis of literature and expands our understanding
of human behavior and consciousness.
RELEVANCE TO READERS: Psychoanalytic criticism explores universal themes
such as love, death, desire, and identity, resonating with readers' own
psychological experiences and providing insights into the human condition that
.

DISADVANTAGES
SUBJECTIVITY: Psychoanalytic criticism relies heavily on the interpretation of the
critic, which can be subjective and open to multiple interpretations. Critics may
project their own biases, assumptions, or unconscious desires onto the text,
leading to interpretations that are influenced by personal factors rather than
objective analysis.
SKEPTICISM AND CRITICISM: Freudian psychoanalysis has faced criticism and
skepticism from both within and outside the field of psychology, with some critics
questioning the scientific validity of Freud's theories and the empirical evidence
supporting them. This skepticism can undermine the credibility of psychoanalytic
interpretations in literary criticism.
OVEREMPHASIS ON SEXUALITY: Critics of psychoanalytic criticism argue that it
tends to overemphasize sexual themes and interpretations, sometimes at the
expense of other important aspects of the text. This narrow focus on sexuality
may limit the scope of analysis and overlook other significant elements of the
literary work.
NEGLECT OF AUTHORIAL INTENT: Psychoanalytic criticism may prioritize the
unconscious motivations of characters over the author's conscious intentions or
historical context, leading to interpretations that disregard the author's intended
meaning or the socio-cultural factors influencing the text.
LIMITED APPLICABILITY: Psychoanalytic criticism may not be applicable or
appropriate for all literary texts, particularly those that do not lend themselves to
psychological analysis or that belong to genres or cultural contexts outside the
EXISTENTIALISM
 EXISTENTIALISM

It is term applied to the work of a number of

philosophers since 19th century who, despite large
differences in their positions, generally focused on the
condition of human existence. And an individual’s
emotions, actions, responsibilities, and thoughts or the
meaning or purpose of life.
Existential philosophers often focused more on what is
subjective, such as beliefs and religion, or human
states, feelings, and emotions, such as freedom,
pain, guilt and regret, as opposed to analyzing
objective knowledge, language or science.
 EXISTENTIALISM

Recognizes a person as free to decide the course of his

or her own life and actions –Sartre

It stresses that people are entirely free and

therefore responsible for what they make of
themselves.
 EXISTENTIALISM

It is a philosophical movement that emphasizes the

individual’s unique experience and the responsibility
they have in creating their own meaning and essence in
life. It focuses the human condition, free will and the
search for purpose
In the broader sense is a philosophy that is centered
upon the analysis of the existence and of the way human
beings find themselves existing in the world.
The notion is that humans exist first then each individual
spends lifetime changing their essence of nature.
A philosophy concern with finding self and the meaning
of life through freewill, choice and personal responsibility
 BEHAVIOR OF EXISTENTIALISM
1. Seek to avoid intruding on the lives and boundaries of others
2. Disown the pattern of universe and try to find their own meaning of
themselves. They are not football of other opinions
3. Creativity of their behavior
4. Responsible and compassionate
 MAJOR TENETS OF EXISTENTIAL THEORY
1. Existence Precedes Essence- is a fundamental philosophical concept
associated with existentialism, particularly Jean-Paul Sartre. It
suggests that individuals exist first and then define their essence or
purpose through their choices and actions. This idea contrasts with
traditional views that suggest essence (a predetermined purpose or
nature) precedes existence.
 Humans are not born with pre- essence but rather, create their own
essence through their choices and actions.
 MAJOR TENETS OF EXISTENTIAL THEORY
2. You are free- (radical freedom)existentialism emphasizes the
freedom of individuals to make their own choices, along with
the responsibility that comes with those choices. This freedom
can lead to feelings of anxiety and anguish but also provides
the opportunity for authentic existence. Unlike other theories
that may emphasize external influences or unconscious
drives, existentialism places a strong emphasis on personal
responsibility and the power of individual choice.
 Humans have freedom and responsibility to choose their
own path, which can be both liberating and terrifying.
 MAJOR TENETS OF EXISTENTIAL THEORY

3. Authenticity- existential theory emphasizes the concept

of authenticity, which involves living in accordance with
one's true self and values. This idea suggests that
individuals should strive to be true to themselves and not
be swayed by societal expectations or external pressures.
By embracing their freedom and making authentic
choices, individuals can create meaningful and fulfilling
life.
 MAJOR TENETS OF EXISTENTIAL THEORY
4. Absurdity- in the context of existentialism, it refers to the
conflict between the human tendency to seek inherent value
and meaning in life and the apparent lack of any such
meaning. Existentialists argue that the universe is indifferent
to human concerns and that life itself is often characterized by
chaos, suffering, and uncertainty. Existentialists believe that
life is inherently meaningless and that individuals must
confront this meaninglessness and create their own meaning.
The existentialist response to absurdity is not despair but
rather a call to embrace freedom, responsibility, and the
challenge of creating meaning in a seemingly meaningless
world.
 The world is inherently meaningless, and humans must find
their own meaning amidst the absurdity of existence.
 MAJOR TENETS OF EXISTENTIAL THEORY

5. Anxiety- it arises from the awareness of one's freedom and

responsibility in creating meaning in a world that is inherently
uncertain and indifferent. Existential anxiety can manifest in various
ways, such as fear of making the wrong decisions, fear of the future,
or a sense of disorientation in the face of life's uncertainties.
However, existentialists also see anxiety as a potential source of
growth and self-awareness.
 MAJOR TENETS OF EXISTENTIAL THEORY

6.Abandonment- refers to the feeling of being left alone in a world

that is indifferent or even hostile This sense of abandonment is not
necessarily about physical isolation but rather a deeper exists
solitude or alienation. Existentialists argue that individuals often
experience a profound sense abandonment because they are
ultimately responsible for creating meaning in their lives. This
responsibility can be daunting and can lead to feelings of isolation
and vulnerability.
 Overall, existential theory suggests that human beings
have the capacity to transcend their circumstances and create
meaningful lives through the exercise of their freedom and the
pursuit of authenticity. It emphasizes the importance of
individual choice and personal responsibility in shaping one's
own existence.
 UNDERLYING CONCEPTS OF EXISTENTIALISM

1. HUMAN FREE WILL

2. Each individual human being is fundamentally alone
3. Human nature is chosen through life’s choices
4. A person is best when struggling against their individual nature,
fighting and struggling for life
5. Personal responsibility and discipline are crucial
 Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland

The story centers on Alice, a young girl who falls asleep in a

meadow and dreams that she follows the white rabbit down a
rabbit hole. She has many wondrous, often bizarre adventures
with thoroughly illogical and very strange creatures, often
changing size unexpectedly( she grows as tall as a house and
shrinks to 3 inches(7cm).
She encounters the hookah-smoking Caterpillar, the
Duchess( with a baby that becomes a pig) and the Cheshire Cat,
and she attends a strange endless tea party with the Mad Hatter
and the March Hare
Thank You! And Good Luck
to all of You!