Literature and existentialism : the case of Dostoyevsky

• Main Author: Van Velzen, Nicolas
• Format: Others
• Published: 1997
• Online Access: http://spectrum.library.concordia.ca/1224/1/MQ40179.pdf; Van Velzen, Nicolas <http://spectrum.library.concordia.ca/view/creators/Van_Velzen=3ANicolas=3A=3A.html> (1997) Literature and existentialism : the case of Dostoyevsky. Masters thesis, Concordia University.

This is an examination of the relationship between Literature and Existentialism, focussing on the major works of Dostoyevsky. It shows how these works are best suited for demonstrating the movements found in Existentialism. The concepts that are explored include: Contingency and its discovery, the collapse of Rationality and the ensuing emergence of Passion. The justification of Passion by such philosophers as Kierkegaard and Nietzsche, Passion in the Existential Roman a These, and the increase of Passion by Suspense, is also discussed. This study shows how Dostoyevsky provides us with a grounding of experience which is necessary for a true account of existence, which other Existential authors cannot present. This study concentrates itself on Dostoyevsky's Notes From the Underground, The Idiot, and The Brothers Karamazov. The introduction considers the topic "Why the Case of Dostoyevsky", the first chapter focusses on "The Discovery of Contingency in Notes From the Underground", chapter two studies "The Collapse of Rationality and the Emergence of Passion", the last chapter examines "The Increase of Passion by the Suspense", followed by the conclusion which addresses "The End of Suspense"