Existence and Essence in A Candle in the Wind: An Existentialist Reading of Munir Ahmed Badini’s Novel

Abstract

The present study analyzed the concept of existential crisis through the protagonist of the novel ‘A Candle in the Wind’ by Munir A. Badini. Existentialism is a philosophical perspective that emphasizes the individual's existence, freedom, and responsibility in creating meaning and purpose in life. It rejects the notion of a predetermined essence or universal values and instead focuses on subjective experience and personal choice. Qualitative research paradigm has been selected and content Analysis has been used to study existential crisis instances in the selected work. The analysis shows that humans have always been held hostage by their values, beliefs, traditions, and customs. So much so that these values occasionally surpass the worth of human life. These ideals rob people of their freedom and right to live.