Books matching: absurdity and philosophy
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- #1
Save:'Skinny Legs and All' by Tom Robbins is a whimsical and thought-provoking tale that delves into various topics such as politics, religion, mythology, and sexuality. The story follows a diverse cast of characters, both human and inanimate objects, as they navigate through themes of love, life, and the Middle East conflict. Robbins weaves together elements of humor, absurdity, and philosophical musings, creating a narrative that is both complex and entertaining.
Through Robbins' unique writing style, readers are taken on a wild ride filled with acerbic wit, quirky characters, and profound insights. The novel explores the human condition, asking important questions about philosophy, religion, art, and family, all while maintaining a sense of humor and charm. With a mix of humor, sarcasm, eroticism, and history, 'Skinny Legs and All' offers a small yet impactful storyline that leaves a lasting impression on readers.
The turkey lay upon its back, as roast turkeys will; submissive, agreeable, volunteering its breast to the carving blade, its roly-poly legs cocked in a stiff but jaunty position, as if it might summo... - #2
Save:The Troika by Stepan Chapman is a surreal and dreamlike novel that follows three unlikely protagonists - an old Mexican woman, a sentient Jeep, and a brontosaurus - as they wander through a desert filled with strange memories, dreams, and stories. The book delves into themes of madness, despair, and hope, creating a unique and curious world that blurs the lines between reality and dreams. While lacking a traditional plot structure, the book is praised for its beautiful scenes, fantasy environments, and the way it weaves together odd fragments to create a sense of coherence.
The three of them were crossing a desert of white sand. They’d been crossing it for as long as they could remember. Today they listened to the wind as they traveled. The wind hadn’t let up all day. It... "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead" by Tom Stoppard is a witty and thought-provoking play that follows the journey of two minor characters from Shakespeare's "Hamlet," Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. The play provides a unique perspective on the events of "Hamlet," showcasing the confusion and existential musings of the two characters as they navigate their roles in the larger story. Stoppard cleverly weaves humor, philosophy, and wordplay into the narrative, creating a compelling exploration of life, death, fate, and the nature of existence. The play's structure, blending scenes from "Hamlet" with original interactions between Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, offers a fresh and engaging take on a classic tale.
Stoppard's writing style in "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead" is praised for its clever dialogue, sharp wit, and deep insights into the human condition. The play delves into themes of identity, free will, fate, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction. Through a mix of humor, absurdity, and existential ponderings, Stoppard creates a rich and layered narrative that challenges readers to question the meaning of life and the roles we play in shaping our destinies.
The reason being: they are betting on the toss of a coin, in the following manner: GUILDENSTERN (hereafter "GULL") takes a coin out of his bag, spins it, letting it fall. ROSENCRANTZ (hereafter "Ros")...- #4
Save:"The Stranger" by Albert Camus is a novel that delves into existentialism through the story of Meursault, a man who seems indifferent and detached from the world around him. The plot follows Meursault as he navigates through life events such as his mother's death, a murder he commits, and a trial he faces, all while displaying a lack of emotion and connection with those around him. The writing style is described as choppy, matter-of-fact, and detached, reflecting the character's own demeanor and emphasizing the themes of absurdity and alienation.
Camus' exploration of the absurdity of life and society's inability to understand a man like Meursault forms the core of the narrative. Through vivid storytelling and a compelling portrayal of existential themes, the book challenges readers to reflect on concepts of meaning, morality, and the human condition. The character of Meursault serves as a vehicle for Camus to question societal norms and beliefs, ultimately leading to a poignant exploration of existential philosophy and the complexities of human existence.
The old people’s home is at Marengo, about eighty kilometers from Algiers, I’ll take the two o’clock bus and get there in the afternoon. That way I can be there for the vigil and come back tomorrow ni... - #5
Save:'Catch-22' by Joseph Heller is a satirical novel set during World War II, focusing on the experiences of a bombardier named Yossarian. The story delves into the absurdity and insanity of military life, highlighting the struggles of individuals trying to navigate through a world where life is cheap and the rules seem designed to ensure no escape from the horrors of war. Through a fragmented narrative style, the author weaves a darkly humorous tale that provides insights into the futility of war and the importance of self-preservation amidst chaos.
The writing style of 'Catch-22' is characterized by its witty banter, dark humor, and satirical take on the bureaucracy and illogical reasoning prevalent in wartime. The narrative jumps between characters, time periods, and locations, creating a chaotic yet engaging reading experience. Heller's exploration of the themes of insanity, morality, and the absurdity of life is delivered through a mix of laugh-out-loud moments and poignant reflections on the human condition.
Yossarian was in the hospital with a pain in his liver that fell just short of being jaundice. The doctors were puzzled by the fact that it wasn’t quite jaundice. If it became jaundice they could trea... - #6
Save:"The Courage to Be Disliked" by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga is a unique blend of philosophy and psychology, focusing on Adlerian psychology principles. It presents a series of dialogues between a philosopher and a student, exploring concepts of individual psychology, teleology, and the intersection between psychology and philosophy. Readers have found the book thought-provoking and impactful, with the ability to change perspectives and provide a fresh outlook on life.
PHILOSOPHER: Yes, Greek philosophy has been central to my life ever since I was a teenager. The great intellectual figures: Socrates, Plato, Aristotle. I am translating a work by Plato at the moment, ... - #7
Save:Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett is an existential masterpiece that delves into the themes of hope, absurdity, and the passage of time. The play follows two characters, Vladimir and Estragon, who are endlessly waiting for someone named Godot. Throughout the play, the characters engage in philosophical discussions, absurd interactions, and comedic wordplay, all while questioning the meaning of their existence and the futility of their wait. Beckett's writing style is minimalist yet profound, capturing the essence of existentialism and the human condition with simplicity and depth.
VLADIMIR: (advancing with short, stiff strides, legs wide apart). I’m beginning to come round to that opinion. All my life I’ve tried to put it from me, saying, Vladimir, be reasonable, you haven’t ye... - #8
Save:Endgame was originally written in French, as Fin de partie (1957), and subsequently translated into English by Beckett himself. While En attendant Godot, which brought Beckett fame in 1953, flowed as ..."Packed with wonderful details illustrating Beckett's literary and dramatic brilliance and providing fascinating interpretive aids to these important plays."-David E. Liss
From the mid-1960s, Samuel Beckett himself directed all his major plays in Ber
... 'The Conspiracy Against the Human Race' by Thomas Ligotti delves into the horror that consciousness brings about, presenting a pessimistic view on life, mankind, and the universe. Ligotti explores the idea that human existence is a curse, with consciousness being a detriment rather than a benefit. Through references to various philosophers, mystics, and neuroscientists, Ligotti argues that life is inherently meaningless and existence is a painful cul de sac. serves as a philosophical exploration of the horror that comes from being aware of our mortality and the futility of seeking meaning in an indifferent universe.
To avoid all possibility of false appearances, I should disclose up front to being a writer of supernatural horror stories. Strictly speaking, then, The Conspiracy against the Human Race represents mo...- #10
Save:Being and Nothingness by Jean-Paul Sartre is an 800-page exploration of existentialist theory, delving into concepts such as self, others, freedom, time, ethics, and psychoanalysis. The book is known for its complex and sometimes opaque writing style, with some readers finding it to be a challenging read. Sartre introduces key ideas such as being in itself and being for itself, drawing inspiration from philosophers like Heidegger and Freud. Despite its difficulty, the book provides new perspectives on existence and human consciousness.
OUR inquiry has led us to the heart of being. But we have been brought to an impasse since we have not been able to establish the connection between the two regions of being which we have discovered. ...
