To avoid summarizing what we've learned in class, I want to focus on a few key that have stuck with me, the first being the Existentialism packet. I'd just like to start off by saying "wow!" That was a ton of information! I've read it through a few more times, re-highlighting and annotating but I'm still having trouble keeping track of the different aspects. One thing about existentialism that has stuck with me would be the emphasis put on freedom through choice. As mentioned on the very first page of the packet by Dr. Ivan Soll, existentialism claims that by making decisions human beings are made free, and with this freedom comes the responsibility for our actions. Because we are forced to make decisions in our lives, we are essentially "forced to be free". When we realize teh extent of our decisions we are overcome by anxiety and stress. This has become very apparent to me over the past few months. In the midst of the stress involved in researching, writing, and preparing for college, I'm definitely forced to make a series of decisions that, to be perfectly honest, I don't think I'm ready for. And so the anxiety begins!
But to apply this philosophy to a more literary standpoint, I think The American Dream illustrates the freedom of choices quite nicely. I really love Grandma's character, and the decisions and responsibility she makes throughout the play really stick with me. When comparing the Young Man and Grandma, I see a distinct difference in their values and priorities. As mentioned in allegory article by Professor Beck, Grandma represents the "Old American Dream" - decisive, with values, substance, and goals. Grandma takes control of her situation and leaves Mommy and Daddy's apartment, leaving the the Young Man (the "New American Dream"), in her place. Representing a superficial, materialistic generation, he doesn't seem to - or want to - have a say in his own future. I look forward to further discussing this play because I feel like I've only just begun to think about the meaning, ideas, and values incorporated into the absurd story.
I didn't think to connect existentialism with my life, but you're 100% correct. Trying to decide on all of this college stuff completely relates (and I am so stressed, too!). Your point relating existentialism to The American Dream is very interesting. I'm not sure that I would say the Young Man doesn't want to have a say in his own future. I think he just has a goal of earning money, and is willing to do whatever he can to get it. I noticed more of the "nothing is true"/pointlessness/language fails us aspect of existentialism in the dialogues between Mommy, Daddy and Mrs. Barker.
ReplyDeleteI im in complete agreement with the stress that you are talking about, and it is interesting that you connect that to existentialism. Very interesting. You made a lot more connections then most other people have, and that is notable. You only talked about a couple things, but you made it so relatable and understandable. The point of the response is to make connections, right? Well, great job!
ReplyDeleteI am in agreement with everyone on the whole stress aspect! I liked your detailed view on existentialism. I also liked how you talked about the american Dream since that was such a huge part of what we have been doing. I like how you actually talked about the characters and applied your philosophy to the story line. I would however have talked about more things we did. For example learning about DIDLS. Overall this is a very well written and interesting blog post!
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