The Absurd And Cormac Mccarthy's All The Pretty Horses

Nearly everything in life involves making a choice, either big or small. According to Albert Camus, an existentialist, life is considered absurd because the meaning of life has no answer, yet one continually searches for meaning while knowing death is inevitable. One is responsible and free to determine the meaning of life for oneself. People will continue to create a purpose for themselves and struggle to accept death. This is what makes life absurd and the act of searching for meaning pointless. He describes that the Absurd life comprises of “Consistency, authenticity, self-awareness” (Barnett 3). In other words, one must be true to and conscious of their choices in life to follow the Absurd. A main component of existentialism is that “Each
After facing personal hardships and struggles to retain his family’s ranch, John Grady feels his dream of becoming a rancher is not achievable in Texas. He decides to leave his past behind and cross the border into Mexico with an optimistic mindset. Before leaving Texas, he looks back and the narrator describes, “Would have known that there was something missing for the world to be right or he right in it and would have set forth to wander wherever it was needed for as long as it took until he came upon one and he would have known that that was what he sought and it would have been” (McCarthy 23). John Grady’s decision to go to Mexico is definitive and based on personal conviction. He believes that he must leave and make a better life for himself. He also assures his friend Rawlins that he is making the right choice for himself, telling him, “What the hell reason you got for stayin? You think somebody’s goin to die and leave you somethin?” (McCarthy 27). John Grady has a reason to move on from his past life and makes a personal choice to venture to Mexico. He doesn’t want to wait any longer and wants to pursue his dream to make the most out of his life. Even after facing obstacles with a young boy named Blevins, conflicts with the Mexican rancher Don Hector, and brutal prison
Macbeth and Lady Macbeth display the least commitment to their choices as they endure and attempt to follow through with their murderous plans. Meursault, although not as passionate, is content with his life choices and eventually accepts the consequences. While Macbeth, Lady Macbeth and Meursault’s results of their choices are undesirable and adverse, John Grady’s choices lead to a greater, more positive impact because of his continuous commitment. In all three of these cases, the characters show that one must create a purpose for themselves rather than waiting for one’s life to change on its own. They choose to freely take action in the face of the unknown. One who stays dedicated to their choices will achieve what they want and define one’s life to a higher purpose. Making a choice for oneself offers room for improvement and possible learning experiences, which can enrich one’s life. Any choice that involves personal conviction, passion, and dedication leads an individual to a more authentic