What are some of the best existentialist short stories?

There are several authors. Ernest Hemingway wrote 'A Clean, Well - Lighted Place' which is an existentialist short story. Charlotte Perkins Gilman is the author of 'The Yellow Wallpaper' which has existentialist undertones. Also, Herman Melville, the man behind 'Bartleby, the Scrivener' which is a significant existentialist piece.

One of the best is 'The Stranger' by Albert Camus. It follows the story of Meursault, a detached man whose actions are driven by the absurdity of life. His lack of conventional emotions and his experiences, like dealing with the death of his mother in a rather nonchalant way, make the reader question the norms of society and the meaning of existence.

One of the best is 'Nausea' by Jean - Paul Sartre. It really delves into the concept of existential angst through the character's experiences and his sense of the world as 'nauseating' in its absurdity.

Sure. 'Waiting for Godot' by Samuel Beckett. This play, which can also be considered in the realm of the existentialist novel, has two characters, Vladimir and Estragon, waiting for someone named Godot who never arrives. It shows the futility of waiting and the aimlessness of human existence.

Sure. 'Nausea' by Sartre is excellent. It's a novel that makes you think about existence on a deep level. The main character's internal monologues are really thought - provoking.

Some well - known existentialist novels include 'The Myth of Sisyphus' by Albert Camus. In this work, Camus uses the Greek myth of Sisyphus to discuss the human condition in the face of the absurd. Then there's 'Steppenwolf' by Hermann Hesse. It follows the spiritual journey of the protagonist as he grapples with his dual nature and the search for self - realization. And 'Waiting for Godot' by Samuel Beckett, which is a play but also has strong existentialist undertones, with its characters waiting endlessly for something that may never come, highlighting the futility and uncertainty of existence.

One of the most well - known classic existentialist novels is 'The Stranger' by Albert Camus. It presents a character, Meursault, who seems detached from society's norms and values, which is a key aspect of existentialist thought.

One well - known black existentialist story is 'Invisible Man' by Ralph Ellison. It delves into the experiences of a black man in a society that often renders him invisible, exploring themes of identity, alienation, and the search for self - worth.

Alienation is also common. They feel alienated from society at large. In 'Sula', the title character is somewhat of an outcast in her community due to her non - conformist ways. This alienation makes her question her own existence and her relationship with the people around her. The stories also deal with the theme of freedom. Black individuals in these tales strive for freedom, whether it's freedom from social constraints or the freedom to be their true selves. For instance, Bigger Thomas in 'Native Son' is in a constant battle for a type of freedom, even if his methods are extreme.

An existentialist novel is a literary work that explores themes related to human existence, freedom, choice, and the search for meaning in a seemingly absurd or indifferent world.