Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines existentialism as “a chiefly 20th century philosophical movement embracing diverse doctrines but centering on analysis of individual existence in an unfathomable universe and the plight of the individual who must assume ultimate responsibility for acts of free will without any certain knowledge of what is right or wrong or good or bad.”

Based on this definition, what notable historical events occurred in the 20th century that would have influenced the interest in existentialism? How would these events be connected to this type of philosophy?

Teaching Suggestion: This Short Answer question invites students to consider the theme Existentialism and Individual Identity in the context of world history. Existentialism grew notably in popularity in philosophy and literature after the end of World War II. Somewhat similar to modernism in art and literature in terms of its reaction to post-war issues in society, existentialism grappled with the purpose of life as societies around the world sought to find meaning in their existences after the devastation of the war.