Existential short stories are often marked by a deep sense of introspection. The characters are constantly reflecting on their existence. Take 'The Metamorphosis' again, Gregor's transformation makes him and the reader question his very being. They also tend to show the fragility of human identity. A sudden event or situation can shatter the character's sense of self. And they usually have a certain melancholy or a feeling of unease, which reflects the uneasiness of the human search for meaning.
One characteristic is the exploration of the human condition. They often deal with themes like alienation, as seen in 'The Metamorphosis'. Characters feel detached from society or themselves. Another is the presence of moral and ethical dilemmas, such as in 'The Guest'. This forces the reader to think about what is right or wrong in complex situations. Also, they tend to have an atmosphere of absurdity, where normal rules of life seem to be broken or questioned, like in many works of Kafka.
One of the best is 'Persepolis' by Marjane Satrapi. It tells an existential story through the eyes of a young girl growing up during the Iranian Revolution. The graphic style adds depth to the exploration of identity, freedom, and the search for meaning in a complex and often oppressive society.
Existential horror novels at their best often deal with mortality. In 'Pet Sematary', the idea of death being perverted is a key element. They also create a sense of being lost. In 'The Yellow Wallpaper', the narrator is lost in her own mind as she is trapped in the room. Moreover, they can have a sense of the uncanny. In 'The Exorcist', the possession is an uncanny event that challenges our understanding of the world and our place in it, creating a strong sense of existential horror.
Another excellent existential short story is 'A Clean, Well - Lighted Place' by Ernest Hemingway. Set in a café, it features an old man who is trying to find some comfort in the well - lighted place. The story touches on themes of loneliness, despair, and the search for meaning. The two waiters' different attitudes towards the old man also highlight the contrast between those who understand the emptiness of life and those who are still in denial.
Look for stories that deal with big philosophical questions like the meaning of life, death, and identity. For example, if a graphic short story has characters constantly grappling with their purpose in a desolate world, it might be existential. Also, the art style can play a role. Dark, moody art might enhance the existential mood.
Often, Japanese existential novels focus on the individual's struggle within society. They might explore feelings of isolation, like in many works by Haruki Murakami. His characters often seem adrift in a complex and sometimes alienating world.
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.
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.
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.
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.