Analysis Of Jodi Picoult s My Sister s Keeper Essay

Existence precedes essence. These three words sum up existentialism in a nutshell and is the single most important of all of its theories. Originating from a nineteenth century Danish philosopher, this theory is still found throughout many literary works. Among these literary works is Jodi Picoult’s My Sister’s Keeper, a novel in which the theory of existentialism is actively present and found in many elements of the story. These elements, upon further observation, exhibit the six major concepts or existentialism: existence, freedom, facticity, despair, absurdity, and atheism. It can be noted therefore, that the critical theory of existentialism is evident in Jodi Picoult’s My Sister’s Keeper, as all of the aforementioned concepts are present in various elements within the novel. The term existentialism is derived from the word existence, which means simply to have a physical presence. To exist is the only thing that is predetermined, while the essence-which consists of the identity of a person-, comes second, and is created by the individual. Life has no purpose; therefore it is important that an individual embraces the idea of merely existing. Jean Paul Sartre, a famous French existentialist, writes in his work - Existentialism is Humanism, â€Å"Man exists, turns up, appears on the scene, and, only afterwards, defines himself† (Sartre). Since it is up to the individual to determine their own meaning to life, they are responsible for themselves only, and no one else. AnnaShow MoreRelatedMy Sisters Keeper and Morality1345 Words   |  6 PagesMy Sister’s Keeper – Jodi Picoult Where is the line with choices? How is a decision determined to be right or wrong? These are some of the questions that summarize the concept of the book My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult. Anna, the protagonist, files a law suit against her parents, Brian and Sara, because they forced her to make medical decisions that were not her own. Anna is sympathetic with her sister’s condition and has given all she can to ensure Kate’s recovery from leukemia. Yet the