Existentialism had a big influence on modern French writing, including both stories and poems. It changed how writers thought about their themes and styles.

Key Contributions of Existentialism:

1. Focus on Individualism:

   • Writers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus put a lot of emphasis on individual experiences.
   • Their characters often struggle with feelings of absurdity and freedom, placing the individual at the center of their stories.
   • This led to a style that was more focused on personal thoughts and feelings instead of grand stories.

2. Themes of Absurdity:

   • The idea of the absurd, especially in Camus's book "The Myth of Sisyphus," challenged writers to think about the meaning of life, or the lack of it.
   • This idea can be seen in poetry that uses broken forms and mixed-up stories, reflecting the chaos of modern life.
   • The concept of absurdity became an important way to look at human life, inspiring poets like Jacques Prévert, who showed everyday struggles in a unique way.

3. Authenticity and Choice:

   • Existentialism highlights the importance of making real choices, even when the universe feels uncaring.
   • This idea can be found in the works of writers like Simone de Beauvoir and Sartre, where characters face tough moral and life decisions.
   • This exploration led to deeper stories with more complicated characters and plots.

In summary, existentialism changed modern French literature by focusing on personal experiences, exploring absurdity, and stressing the importance of making real choices. It created a rich and thoughtful literary scene, marking an important moment in French literature.