Weekly Assignment 3 (3)
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School
University of California, Los Angeles *
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Course
MISC
Subject
Arts Humanities
Date
Jan 9, 2024
Type
Pages
2
Uploaded by UltraDonkeyMaster46
**Assignment Title: Exploration of Existential Themes in Contemporary Literature**
**Objective:** To critically analyze and compare how contemporary authors address existential
themes in their novels, delving into questions of meaning, purpose, and the human experience.
Examine how characters grapple with existential dilemmas and navigate the complexities of life.
**Instructions:**
1. **Choose Two Contemporary Novels with Existential Themes:**
- Select two contemporary novels that prominently feature themes related to existential
questions. Examples include "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy, "Never Let Me Go" by Kazuo
Ishiguro, "The Goldfinch" by Donna Tartt, or works of your choice.
2. **Introduction to Existential Themes:**
- Provide an introduction to existential themes in contemporary literature. Discuss how
contemporary authors use fiction to explore questions of meaning, purpose, and the human
condition, contributing to broader conversations about existentialism.
3. **Analysis of Characters' Search for Meaning:**
- Analyze how each author portrays characters' search for meaning within their novel. Discuss
the existential dilemmas faced by characters, their quests for purpose, and the philosophical
undertones that shape their journeys.
4. **Exploration of Life's Absurdity:**
- Focus on the exploration of life's absurdity depicted in the narratives. Discuss instances
where characters confront the inherent absurdity of existence and how they grapple with the
meaninglessness of certain aspects of life.
5. **Themes of Isolation and Alienation:**
- Examine themes of isolation and alienation within the novels. Discuss how characters
experience a sense of existential loneliness, disconnection from others, and the impact of these
themes on their overall existential outlook.
6. **Philosophical Perspectives on Freedom:**
- Explore characters' philosophical perspectives on freedom within the narratives. Discuss how
characters navigate questions of free will, personal agency, and the choices they make in the face
of existential uncertainties.
7. **Narrative Techniques for Existential Exploration:**
- Analyze the narrative techniques used by each author for existential exploration. Discuss how
storytelling devices, perspectives, and character development contribute to the portrayal of
existential themes.
8. **Comparative Analysis of Existential Themes:**
- Compare the exploration of existential themes in the two novels. Discuss similarities and
differences in how the authors approach and interpret the complexities of existential questions,
meaning, and purpose.
9. **Relevance to Contemporary Human Experience:**
- Reflect on the relevance of the themes presented in the novels to contemporary human
experiences. Discuss whether the issues explored by the authors remain pertinent in today's
world and contribute to ongoing discussions about the human condition.
**Assessment Criteria:**
- Clear identification and explanation of existential themes in literature.
- Thorough analysis of the portrayal of characters' search for meaning, life's absurdity, and
themes of isolation in the selected works.
- Insightful exploration of philosophical perspectives on freedom and narrative techniques for
existential exploration.
- Comprehensive comparison of existential themes in the two novels.
- Consideration of the relevance of existential themes to contemporary human experiences.
- Thoughtful reflection on the impact of existential questions on the characters and narratives.
**Submission Details:**
- Submit your assignment in the agreed format to the instructor by the specified deadline.
Feel free to reach out to the instructor if you have any questions or need guidance as you work
on the assignment.
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