Existentialism: From Western Philosophical Theory to Eastern Literary Practice

Abstract

Existentialism, or existential theory, is a philosophical current of a group of Western philosophers from the late 19th to early 20th century. Over time, it developed and gradually left its mark on music, painting, and literature. Though born in the West, Existentialism transcended geographical and cultural boundaries to establish its domain in the literature of Eastern countries. Three prominent figures in Eastern existential literature are Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore, Japanese novelist Abe Kobo, and Chinese female writer Can Xue.