Matt Blair
English 4, Ward
Period 3
The Forlorn Path
In life, individuals and generations set social norms which others follow. Existentialism is a philosophical idea that goes against many of these norms, and places emphasis on individual freedom and one's ability of free choice. The authors Franz Kafka, Albert Camus, and Steve McQueen attempt to reflect these existential ideas in their respective works of The Metamorphosis, The stranger, and Hunger. Main characters, Gregor Samsa, Meursault, and Bobby Sands embrace the ideas of existentialism and live their lives in a completely different way than their peers. Although the characters live in separate settings and time periods from one another, the characters connect through their actions …show more content…
Rejecting society's ways through embracing existentialist ideals will leave someone alienated from others. Gregor, Meursault, and Bobby are each alienated from a normal life. During Bobby's time in prison he says, “I have my belief, and in all its simplicity that is the most powerful thing.” Although Bobby is physically alienated from society by imprisonment, nevertheless he still makes his point. Some of Bobby's supporters, like Father Dominic, don’t back Bobby's hunger strike. Regardless of how alienated he is, Bobby places importance on the existential values of his own individual choice and freedom. Similar to Bobby, Gregor is physically alienated from the world around him by being forced to stay in his room. After Gregor hears Grete play the violin to the three bearded gentleman of the house, he just wishes he could tell Grete how she, “was playing so beautifully” and how “no-one appreciated her playing here as much as he would.” Gregor's inability to speak is the means by which author, Franz Kafka, shows how Gregor's opinion doesn’t matter and how he is alienated from the family by his parents. Although Gregor loves Grete's music and has been saving money to send her to the conservatory to improve her skills, it doesn’t matter because he is an outcast after he becomes mute: he will never be able to share his thoughts or opinions. Gregor and Bobby both feel that their voice is unheard and their free way of life is too powerful and intense for society to accept. Bobby and Gregor are both feel that their voice is unheard and their free way of life is too powerful and intense for society to accept. Bobby and Gregor are oppressed by contemporary social beliefs and are alienated because of the way they live their lives. Meursault is no different from Bobby and Gregor and experiences alienation in his life. After Meursault kills the Arab, society tries to paint Meursault as a
English 4, Ward
Period 3
The Forlorn Path
In life, individuals and generations set social norms which others follow. Existentialism is a philosophical idea that goes against many of these norms, and places emphasis on individual freedom and one's ability of free choice. The authors Franz Kafka, Albert Camus, and Steve McQueen attempt to reflect these existential ideas in their respective works of The Metamorphosis, The stranger, and Hunger. Main characters, Gregor Samsa, Meursault, and Bobby Sands embrace the ideas of existentialism and live their lives in a completely different way than their peers. Although the characters live in separate settings and time periods from one another, the characters connect through their actions …show more content…
Rejecting society's ways through embracing existentialist ideals will leave someone alienated from others. Gregor, Meursault, and Bobby are each alienated from a normal life. During Bobby's time in prison he says, “I have my belief, and in all its simplicity that is the most powerful thing.” Although Bobby is physically alienated from society by imprisonment, nevertheless he still makes his point. Some of Bobby's supporters, like Father Dominic, don’t back Bobby's hunger strike. Regardless of how alienated he is, Bobby places importance on the existential values of his own individual choice and freedom. Similar to Bobby, Gregor is physically alienated from the world around him by being forced to stay in his room. After Gregor hears Grete play the violin to the three bearded gentleman of the house, he just wishes he could tell Grete how she, “was playing so beautifully” and how “no-one appreciated her playing here as much as he would.” Gregor's inability to speak is the means by which author, Franz Kafka, shows how Gregor's opinion doesn’t matter and how he is alienated from the family by his parents. Although Gregor loves Grete's music and has been saving money to send her to the conservatory to improve her skills, it doesn’t matter because he is an outcast after he becomes mute: he will never be able to share his thoughts or opinions. Gregor and Bobby both feel that their voice is unheard and their free way of life is too powerful and intense for society to accept. Bobby and Gregor are both feel that their voice is unheard and their free way of life is too powerful and intense for society to accept. Bobby and Gregor are oppressed by contemporary social beliefs and are alienated because of the way they live their lives. Meursault is no different from Bobby and Gregor and experiences alienation in his life. After Meursault kills the Arab, society tries to paint Meursault as a