The Wall Group

Question:

lprincess231
lprincess231
Student
High School - 12th Grade

How does "The Wall" embody the principles of existentialism as espoused by Sartre?

Existentialism is the philosophy concerned with the face of human existence, I do not understand this.

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Posted by lprincess231 on Tuesday May 1, 2007 at 12:10 PM and tagged with the wall.

Answers:


  1. janeyb

    eNotes Editor

    Existentialism is the term coined by Sartre to describe his perception of human existence. His form of existentialism is more properly called atheistic existentialism, and its followers believe that the individual is alone in a godless universe and that the basic human condition is one of suffering and loneliness.
    All humans search for wholeness and well-being, existentialism doesn't hold out hope for humankind, the only way one can survive is to make their own set of values and live by them.
    Juan, Pablo, and Tom all exhibit certain characteristics of men suffering an existential crisis. Juan pretends that what is going to happen to him is not. He refuses to walk to the courtyard and makes the guards carry him; he is passive in his own death. Pablo's sense of alienation keeps him from knowing his cellmates.Tom attempts to face death with honor, he tries to create his own values.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/wall/22787

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    Posted by janeyb on Tuesday May 1, 2007 at 12:16 PM