Existentialism and the Search for Meaning in the Works of Stevie Smith and Karl Shapiro

Existentialism is a key theme in the works of both Stevie Smith and Karl Shapiro, though their approaches differ significantly. Stevie Smith’s poetry often explores the absurdity of life and the inherent meaninglessness that comes with existence. In poems like "The Fire" and "A Good Time Was Had by All", Smith reflects on the futility of life’s pursuits, using irony and dark humor to expose the emotional contradictions and absurdities of the human condition. Her characters frequently grapple with the question of meaning, sometimes in whimsical, sometimes in tragic ways, highlighting the disillusionment that often accompanies self-awareness.

Karl Shapiro, influenced by his experiences in World War II, uses existentialism to confront the absurdity of human suffering, particularly in times of crisis. In poems like "Death of a Soldier" and "The Fly", Shapiro reflects on the meaning of life and death in a world marked by war and loss. While Smith’s existential themes often revolve around personal reflection and emotional isolation, Shapiro’s work is more concerned with the collective human experience, particularly in the context of trauma and survival.

Smith’s existentialism is often framed in terms of individual experience and personal disillusionment. Her poems present characters who question the meaning of their existence in a world that often seems indifferent to their struggles. These characters, while grappling with their personal crises, often use humor and irony as a way to cope with the meaninglessness they perceive. Smith’s approach to existentialism is more internal and personal, often dealing with the emotional turmoil that comes from confronting life’s uncertainties.

Shapiro’s existentialism, on the other hand, is grounded in the collective experience of humanity, particularly in the face of war and societal upheaval. His work reflects the emotional and psychological toll that existential questioning takes on those who are subjected to the horrors of war and conflict. Shapiro’s exploration of existentialism is more direct and confrontational, often dealing with the harsh realities of human existence and the inability to find meaning in a world scarred by violence.

Comparison: While both poets engage with existential themes, Smith’s approach is more personal and reflective, using irony and humor to explore individual disillusionment, while Shapiro’s work focuses more on collective suffering and the search for meaning in times of war and crisis.