The ‘I’ of Post-Independence Bengali Novels in Existentialist Thought/ অস্তিত্ববাদী ভাবনায় স্বাধীনোত্তর বাংলা উপন্যাসে ‘আমি’

Abstract

Originating with Kierkegaard and popularized by Sartre, existentialism explores profound emotions, consciousness, freedom, and choice, often portraying love, values, and emotions as devoid of inherent meaning. This philosophy typically leads individuals toward existential crises, reflecting its pessimistic undertones. However, post-independence Bengali novelists have uniquely adopted and adapted existentialist principles to illuminate the challenges of Bengali life on a global stage. They draw parallels between their characters and archetypes like Raskolnikov and Sisyphus, exploring the complexity of human existence. This integration infuses Bengali literature with resilience, transcending despair through the affirmation of free will and ultimate choice. This synthesis not only highlights the depth of human existence but also establishes a distinct Bengali literary identity, emphasizing humanity’s pursuit of meaning and work as guiding principles in these novels.