Existentialism (1 Viewer)

[bini_bung]

What's existentialism about? This philosophy is somewhat abstract, hence confusing to me. I've read several articles and definitions, but some of the things mention contradict each other. So far, the most common thing that has come up is the questioning of the meaning of existence and the (in)significance of a high-order being, such as God.
I'm studying King Lear for this module and having trouble tying extentialism in with the play AND the production. I mean I can tie existentialism in with the play, I can tie it in with the production and I can tie the play with the production... but I can't tie all three together?
So any thoughts, ideas, hints, etc.?

 

[ane_st]

Dont know if this is to late for you... But existentialism is mainly about questioning existence, humanity, death, consciousness, values etc. - the emphasis that the individual has to create themselves and we choose and choice is all we have..

The Existentialist reading ties in well with the Harlos Production;
- disconnected character (the court scene)
- animal imagery- emphasising the animalistic nature of man (knights as monkeys, Gloucester hunting Edgar with dogs, chickens in the mad scene, sheep)
- In KL, clothing represents power and status- Tom nakedness is shocking
- Fool is an absurdist character
- Exaggerated eye-gouging
- Incongruent characters playing the same character

In a way it does question God, but it emphasises the characters lonliness or isolation: such as Lear and Gloucester are constantly calling on the Gods when they are not there and cant help them hence emphasising the bare individual (with no influence of religion)

I dont really think you need to tie it together like that, my understanding is that one reading: one production

 

[gods-lil-rocker]

it is a philosephy which is based on you creating and shaping your own destiny and existance...
I am doing metamorphasis as my text for it!! ITS SOOO HARD!