Originating in the middle of the twentieth century, the theory of existentialism is based on the principle that it is a person’s actions that determine the course of his mental, emotional and spiritual development. The focus of the theory is on the fact that each individual has the freedom to choose a course of action that would to reach their maximum potential .
More importantly, the theory states that in order to truly exist, a person has to be aware of his own hidden talent and it is this self-awareness that allows human beings to reach the stage of self-actualization.
Existentialism emphasizes making rational decisions as Alfred Tennyson says in his poem Ulysses, “That hoard, and sleep, and feed and know not me”, is a classic line where the real essence of human beings questioning rules and regulations becoming monotonous and asking, if that is really what we are supposed to do, whether or not we are supposed to follow routines .
Tennyson also highlights going above and beyond conventional limitations in his lines saying, “To sail beyond the sunset, and the baths Of all the western stars till I die”. In the end, Tennyson emphasizes the fact that since we won’t live forever and nothing is permanent, it is only the strong at heart who have the will to be different and daring enough to make a difference in the world .
The conclusion to the poem, “Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield”, embodies the essence of what Existentialism is. This entails each individual assuming responsibility for his/her actions and doing the best that can be done with the given resources .
References
Bernardo, K. (2014). Existentialism in Literature. New York: Storybites.
Tennyson, A. L. (1842). Ulysses. London: Edward Moxon.
