Existential crime novels often focus on the moral and philosophical dilemmas of the characters. They might explore themes like the meaninglessness of life in the context of crime. The characters in such novels are usually complex, with their own internal struggles that go beyond just the act of committing or solving a crime.
Existential crime novels typically have a few distinct features. Firstly, they delve deep into the psyche of the characters involved. The criminals might be driven by a search for identity or purpose, which leads them to commit crimes. The investigators, too, are not simply solving cases but are on a journey of self - discovery. Secondly, the plots often lack the simple, straightforward narrative of traditional crime novels. There are twists and turns that are more about the characters' evolving beliefs and values rather than just the mechanics of the crime. And finally, the tone of these novels is often quite dark and brooding, as they grapple with the big questions of existence while dealing with the seedy underbelly of crime.
Existential mystery novels often feature characters who are in search of meaning. For example, in many such novels, the protagonist may be facing a personal crisis that forces them to question their purpose in life. This internal struggle is a key characteristic.
Existential novels typically feature an intense focus on the self. The characters are often in a state of self - reflection, trying to figure out who they are. In 'Steppenwolf', Harry Haller is constantly examining his own identity. Another key aspect is the exploration of alienation. The protagonists usually feel detached from society, as seen in 'The Trial' where Josef K. is an outsider in a strange and unyielding legal system. Moreover, they tend to question the existence of objective values. The novels show that values may be subjective and that individuals have to create their own sense of what is important in life.
Existential detective novels often feature a protagonist who is in a state of confusion or alienation. For example, in 'The Stranger', Meursault seems detached from society's norms. This reflects the existentialist idea of the individual's estrangement from the world.
Well, often they have complex characters with internal struggles. For example, in Dostoevsky's works, the characters are constantly wrestling with moral and philosophical questions. They also tend to depict a rather harsh social reality, like in Solzhenitsyn's novels, which forms the backdrop against which the characters' existential crises unfold.
Existential American novels often focus on the individual's struggle for meaning. They show characters dealing with feelings of alienation from society or from themselves. For example, in 'The Catcher in the Rye', Holden is alienated from the 'phony' world around him.
Sure. 'The Long Goodbye' by Raymond Chandler is a great example. The main character, Marlowe, is not just a detective but also a complex figure dealing with his own sense of self and his place in a rather unforgiving world. Also, 'American Psycho' by Bret Easton Ellis has elements of existential crime. It shows the extreme and disturbing psyche of a character who is involved in violent acts while also being a part of the consumerist society, which gives it an existential flavor.
One key characteristic is the exploration of the absurd. In existential fiction, situations can be highly illogical. For example, in 'Waiting for Godot', the two characters waiting endlessly for someone who might not exist is absurd. Also, these books focus on the individual's experience. They are less about grand social or historical events but more about how a single person copes with existence. And self - awareness is a big part of it. Characters are often forced to confront their own nature, like in 'Notes from Underground' where the narrator has a deep self - examination.
Absurdity is a big part. These works often present situations or worlds that seem illogical or without clear reason. In 'Waiting for Godot', the two characters' endless waiting for someone who may not exist is an example of this absurdity. Also, a sense of isolation is common. Characters in existential fiction may feel detached from society or those around them, like Gregor in 'The Metamorphosis' who is alienated even from his own family after his transformation.
Another characteristic is the use of the detective plot as a vehicle for philosophical exploration. The mystery is not just a mystery for the sake of it. It serves as a backdrop for the detective to grapple with existential questions such as the meaning of life, the nature of death, and the concept of free will. A good example is how some modern detective novels set in post - apocalyptic worlds force the detective to consider what it means to be human in a desolate and changed environment.
One main characteristic is the exploration of the absurd. It often shows how life can seem meaningless and how the world is full of situations that don't make logical sense. For example, in 'The Stranger', Meursault's actions and the way society reacts to him seem absurd. Another characteristic is the focus on the individual's isolation. Characters in existential literary fiction often feel alone in a world that they can't fully understand or connect with. Also, there is a deep examination of the search for meaning. The characters are constantly trying to figure out what their purpose is in life, like in 'Nausea' where the protagonist is constantly grappling with the concept of existence and meaning.