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The Myth Of Sisyphus
By Albert Camus
Rob Campbell Mr. Foley
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Hon. World Lit–D Period
21 September 2017
An Existential Hero
"The Myth of Sisyphus" by Albert Camus is a symbolic commentary on life 's inherent meaning, or more specifically, the lack thereof and how one may come to terms with their fate. For centuries, philosophers have pondered upon the idea that there is not an intrinsic meaning in the universe. One major response to such a belief is Existentialism. The system of beliefs known as Existentialism states that through a combination of personal responsibility, awareness, and free will, an individual can formulate their own meaning in a universe lacking one of its own. In Existential literature, characters are often put into utterly hopeless or meaningless...show more content... Pluto agreed, however, Sisyphus took advantage of this concordance. Camus wrote: "But when he had seen again the face of this world, enjoyed water and sun, warm stones and the sea, he no longer wanted to go back to the infernal darkness.", Sisyphus gawked at the Earth's pulchritude and was in awe. He abandoned his agreement with Pluto and became a stowaway in the world of the living. It would be vastly unreasonable to assume that Sisyphus did not have a passion for life after taking measures as those.
Some, when having reached the realization of life's lack of intrinsic meaning and doomed situations, commit suicide. Others take a different route and choose to live and live fully. Sisyphus, after escaping death and acquiring a passion for life, chose to live and to do so to the fullest extent. On the topic of Sisyphus life subsequent to his escape from death, Camus writes: "Many years more he lived facing the curve of the gulf, the sparkling sea, and the smiles of earth." Sisyphus maximizes his time on Earth. He basks in the elegance Earth has to offer, from the sparkling sea to the curve of the gulf. Sisyphus indubitably lives to the fullest. In conjunction with doing as such, he lives in the present. Sisyphus dotes on his present life post–escape. He neither reflects on his death, nor is he angsty at his inevitable wrath Pluto will inflict upon him for his uncooperativeness in their accord.
