Existentialism

__Existentialism__ Jean Paul-Sarte is most famous for his masterpiece- "Existentialism and Humanism." Yet in his other works the combined themes of these two philophies are very evident. The idea behind existentialism is that a man is the sum of his actions, and is a pivot in the world. He has no pre-destined fate; he can simply control and shape his future through his deeds. His existence and life is meaningless, and so he must give it a meaning through what he does within it. Jessica is an example of someone who does not follow these principles, stating that "On a decide de moi sans me demander mon avis" (Page 131, Scene II, Quatrieme tableau)- "I was decided for, without asking my opinion." However, she is slowly coming to the understanding that she, as a human being, needs to be able to choose, as she is becoming dissatisfied with her life and with Hugo. Hoederer references her self-objectivism- "Je suppose que tu es son luxe." (Page 131, Scene II, Quatrieme tableau)- "I suppose that you are his luxery." She slowly realisises that she does have choice. Throughout her life, she has felt powerless, and when she realises that she can be independant if she so wishes, she sleeps with Hoederer- a mark of total freedom and a life without restrictions.

DT,WK


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