Nihilism in Literature: Meaning, Major Writers, Themes and Important Novels
Nihilism in Literature: Meaning, Major Writers, Themes and Important Novels Introduction Nihilism is an important philosophical concept in literature that questions the existence of meaning, truth, morality, and established values. The word comes from the Latin word nihil , meaning “nothing.” In literature, nihilism appears when characters question traditional beliefs, reject social rules, or feel that life has no inherent purpose. Such characters may experience emptiness, confusion, isolation, and disappointment with the world around them. Nihilism became an important subject in modern literature because writers began to examine the decline of traditional beliefs, the effects of war, political conflict, industrialisation, and changes in society. Nihilistic literature does not always suggest that life is meaningless. Instead, it explores what happens when people lose faith in the values and beliefs that once guided them. This article explains the meaning of nihilism, its major characte...