UNVEILING EXISTENTIAL DESPAIR: A KIERKEGAARDIAN STUDY OF ANGER, SUFFERING AND DEATH IN HEDAYAT’S THE BLIND OWL

Abstract

Human life is characterized by sorrow, suffering, and affliction. Pain and anguish often form the foundation of existence, with the potential to either strengthen an individual or lead them into despair and desolation. This qualitative research examines the portrayal of human life in The Blind Owl through the lens of Kierkegaard’s existential philosophy. Hedayat, the novelist vividly conveys the protagonist’s profound suffering and existential dread. He captures the bleakness and isolation of human existence, marked by aimlessness, despair, and an encroaching darkness that leaves little room for hope. He focuses on themes of loneliness, abandonment, estrangement, animosity, despair, frustration, disillusionment, failed romantic relationships, and existential futility. His characters experience an intense sense of hopelessness, helplessness, alienation, and the absurdity of life, consistently surrounded by these emotions. Findings of research indicate that profound suffering and sorrow can drive individuals towards alienation and existential turmoil, often leading them to see death as an escape from their pain. This research contributes to existing scholarship on existentialism by offering insights into the themes of sorrow, isolation, and existential despair present in Hedayat’s work.