Existentialism became a big deal in the 20th century. This was a time when the world was going through a lot of changes. There were two World Wars, big changes in industry, and lots of shifts in society.

Here’s a closer look at how these events influenced existentialism:

1. Important Historical Events:

   • World War I (1914-1918): This war caused the deaths of about 16 million people. Many people felt lost and confused after such huge loss.
   • World War II (1939-1945): This war was even worse, with around 70-85 million people dying. Horrible events like the Holocaust and the use of atomic bombs made people really question what it means to be human and what is right or wrong.
   • After the Wars: Many writers and thinkers began to express thoughts about how life can feel absurd or meaningless after such destruction.

2. Main Ideas in Existentialist Literature:

   • Absurdity: This idea talks about how people search for meaning in life, but the universe doesn’t seem to care. It can feel very confusing.
   • Freedom and Responsibility: This suggests that people need to create their own meaning in a world full of uncertainty. The philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre really stressed this idea when he said, "existence comes before essence."
   • Alienation: Many characters in existentialist stories feel alone and disconnected, reflecting how society was changing quickly and sometimes in a scary way.

3. Famous Existentialist Writers:

   • Jean-Paul Sartre: His book, “Nausea” (1938), shows the idea of being free and making choices in an absurd world.
   • Albert Camus: In books like “The Stranger” (1942) and “The Myth of Sisyphus” (1942), he talks a lot about absurdity.
   • Simone de Beauvoir: She wrote about existential ideas and women’s rights, making significant contributions to both existentialism and feminist writing.

In summary, existentialist literature reflects the feelings of worry, fear, and the search for meaning that many people felt in the 20th century. It shows how important historical events influenced how people thought and expressed themselves creatively.