Research project writing_ Dissertation. presentation on Dissertation about philosophical characters of Albert Camus, Dostoevsky and Kafka

1. Department of English
Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University
Date: 4th April 2024
Sem 4। Batch 2022-24
Research Project Writing: Dissertation Writing
Comparative Analysis of Meursault, Svidrigailov,
and Gregor Samsa:
The Absurd, the Existential, and the Nihilistic
Characters Across Camus, Dostoevsky and Kafka
's Novels
Prepared by Avani Jani

2. Prepared by : Avani Jani
M.A Sem: 4
Paper :Research Project Writing: Dissertation Writing
Roll no: 3
Enrollment no: 4069206420220014
Submitted to: Department of English, MKBU

3. Included Points
● Chapter-1: Introduction
● Chapter-2: Literature Review
● Chapter-3: Beyond Morality: Svidrigailov's Nihilistic Existence
● Chapter-4:The Logic of the Absurd: Unveiling Meursault's Philosophical
Rebellion
● Chapter-5: Disgust and Despair Monstrous Metaphors
● Bibliography

4. Chapter-1: Introduction
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Philosophy
1.3 Fyodor Dostoevsky
1.3.1 Crime And Punishment
1.4 Albert Camus:
1.4.1 The Stranger
1.5 Franz Kafka
1.5.1 Kafka's Struggle with Paternal Authority
1.5.2 Love, Loss, and the Creative Spirit of Franz Kafka
1.5.3 The Literary Career of Franz Kafka
1.5.4 Metamorphosis

5. Chapter-2: Literature Review
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Modernism
2.3 Nihilism and ‘Crime and Punishment’
2.4 Absurdism and ‘The Stranger’
2.5 Existentialism and ‘Metamorphosis’
2.6 Closing Remarks
2.7 Research Gap: Clarifying the Philosophical Archetypes in Literature
2.8 Hypothesis: Philosophical Archetypes and Literary Characters
2.8.1 Research Questions

6. Hypothesis
1. Core Philosophical Alignment:
svidrigailov (Crime and Punishment) exhibits a dominant philosophical perspective that aligns most
closely with nihilism. This will be demonstrated through his actions, thoughts, and motivations
throughout the novel. While he might display moments of existential angst or grapple with the
absurdity of his situation, his core beliefs will be rooted in the denial of inherent meaning or value.
Meursault (The Stranger) embodies the philosophy of absurdism. Textual analysis will reveal his
acceptance of the inherent meaninglessness of the universe and his focus on living authentically in
the face of this absurdity. There might be glimpses of existential struggle or nihilistic thoughts, but
his core approach to life will be aligned with absurdism.
Gregor Samsa (The Metamorphosis) best represents an existentialist hero. A close reading of the
novel will showcase his emphasis on individual freedom, responsibility, and the construction of
meaning in an absurd world. While he might encounter moments of nihilistic despair or grapple with
the concept of absurdity, his core perspective will be rooted in existentialist thought.

7. 2. Philosophical Development:
The experiences and events throughout the narratives will lead to a
development in the philosophical outlooks of each character. This
development might involve a deepening of their core philosophy, a challenge
to their existing beliefs, or a shift towards a different philosophical
perspective.
3. Unique Expressions:
Each character will express their chosen philosophy (nihilism, absurdism,
existentialism) in unique ways. This dissertation will move beyond simply labelling
the characters and delve into the specificities of how they embody these philosophies
within the context of the story.

8. Unique Expressions:
1. Beyond simply labelling Gregor Samsa as an existential hero, how does The
Metamorphosis depict his unique embodiment of existentialist thought within the
specific context of the story?
1. In what specific ways does Meursault express his absurdist philosophy in The
Stranger, going beyond a mere label and showcasing the nuances of his approach
within the narrative?
1. How does Dostoevsky utilise Crime and Punishment to portray Svidrigailov's
nihilism in a way that is distinct from other nihilistic characters in literature?
Core Philosophical Alignment:
1. How do Svidrigailov's actions, thoughts, and motivations throughout Crime and Punishment demonstrate his alignment
with nihilism, even if he displays moments of existential angst or encounters absurdity?
1. What textual evidence from The Stranger best reveals Meursault's acceptance of the universe's meaninglessness and his
focus on living authentically in the face of it, despite glimpses of existential struggle or nihilistic thoughts?
1. In what ways does a close reading of The Metamorphosis showcase Gregor Samsa's emphasis on individual freedom,
responsibility, and the construction of meaning in an absurd world, even if he encounters moments of nihilistic despair or
grapples with the concept of absurdity?
Philosophical Development:
1. How do the experiences and events in Crime and Punishment lead to a development in Svidrigailov's nihilistic outlook?
Does his perspective deepen, face challenges, or shift towards another philosophy entirely?
1. What impact do the events of The Stranger have on Meursault's absurdist perspective? Does he embrace it further,
question its validity, or potentially move towards a different philosophical outlook?
1. How do Gregor Samsa's experiences in The Metamorphosis shape his existentialist perspective? Does his struggle deepen
his existing beliefs, challenge them, or lead him towards a different philosophy?
Research Questions

9. Unique Expressions:
1. Beyond simply labelling Gregor Samsa as an existential hero, how does
The Metamorphosis depict his unique embodiment of existentialist
thought within the specific context of the story?
1. In what specific ways does Meursault express his absurdist philosophy in
The Stranger, going beyond a mere label and showcasing the nuances of
his approach within the narrative?
1. How does Dostoevsky utilise Crime and Punishment to portray
Svidrigailov's nihilism in a way that is distinct from other nihilistic
characters in literature?

10. Chapter-3: Beyond Morality: Svidrigailov's Nihilistic Existence
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Nihilism
3.2.1 Friedrich Nietzsche and Nihilism
3.2.2 Russian Nihilism
3.2.3 Nihilism in Crime and punishment
3.3 Nihilism in the ‘Crime and Punishment’
3.4 Nihilist Character Arkady Ivanovich Svidrigailov
3.4.1 Fundamental Social Motives 37
3.4.2 Folk Social Values 38
3.4.3 Future-Mindedness 38
3.4.4 Depression 39
3.5 Conclusion 40

11. Chapter-4:The Logic of the Absurd: Unveiling Meursault's Philosophical Rebellion
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Absurdism
4.3 History of Absurdism
4.3.1 Here is another example of the Absurd from his writings
4.4 Absurdism and Albert Camus
4.5 From Absurdity to Rebellion: The Moral Evolution of Albert Camus
4.6 From Individual Absurdity to Collective Rebellion
4.7 The Stranger
4.7.1 Absurdity in ‘The Stranger’
4.8 Conclusion

12. Chapter-5: Disgust and Despair Monstrous Metaphors
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Existentialism
5.3 Exploring the Depth and Diversity of Existentialism: From
Foundational Principles to Contemporary Applications
5.3.1 Existentialism posits several fundamental tenets
5.3.2 Existentialism opposes several philosophical doctrines
5.3.3 Seeds of Existentialism: A Historical Exploration of Key
Precursors
5.3.4 Thrown into the World: Existentialism's Answer to World
War II's Anguish
5.3.5 The Risk of Being: Freedom, Choice, and Authenticity in
Existentialism

13. 5.4 Existentialism and Kafka
5.5 "The Metamorphosis"
5.5.1 Existentialism in ‘The Metamorphosis’
5.6 Absurdity of Existence
5.7 Alienation and Isolation
5.8 Search for Meaning
5.9 Freedom and Responsibility
5.10 Conclusion

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21. Thank You