Overcoming Anxiety Optimism: Exploring Pakistani English Fiction with Existentialist Philosophy

Abstract

Absurdism as an offshoot of existentialism and frequently understood in a negative connotation, however, the current study reflects absurdism as a fundamental positive value related to practical life. The present study explores absurdism in selected texts of Bapsi Sidwa and Nadeem Aslam Khan. The importance of absurdism is crucial in elevating positivity in an individual life. With the help of the thematic analysis technique, a qualitative study is carried out to analyze absurdism in selected fiction. Thematic analysis is a method for identifying, analyzing, and reporting patterns (themes) within the data. This study is significant as the theory of absurdism is related to the problem of human lives. The theory of absurdism lets individuals face the hardships of life. The more an individual is aware of the realities of the universe, the more he is responsive to universe irrationalities. The present study helps to overcome anxiety, loneliness, and solitude through discussion and extended illustrations from literature as a reflection of life. The current study contributes to overcoming our anxiety with optimism. Future studies can be conducted as the appeal of this theory is universal. This study deals with the question of human existence and meaning.