|
|
Post by jarelyrebollar on Jun 21, 2024 13:53:47 GMT
I feel like Fred Daniels's journey into the underground can symbolize a pursuit of existential authenticity. Rejecting societal norms, he embraces solitude and self-reflection, gaining insights into his true self and moral values. His underground existence allows him to experience freedom and confront the superficiality of society. Fred's eventual decision to emerge and face the consequences of his actions demonstrates his acceptance of responsibility and mortality, epitomizing the existentialist theme of living an authentic life despite societal injustices and absurdities.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dr. Nemmers on Jun 21, 2024 16:54:06 GMT
Great analysis, Jarely! I'm not as far as you, it seems, but I did want to comment on the notion of authenticity/ freedom, as you quite rightly touch on here.
It doesn't really seems like a choice that he goes into the Underground to begin with-- he's being hounded by arbitrary authority at every turn, and if he stays above, his life will be forfeit. So it's interesting how all of these things that you mention "freedom, his true self and moral values" are discovered only in the face of the tyranny and discrimination he experiences above. Would Fred every have made these discoveries, have grown or become something different, had he not been picked up by the police? Fascinating question...
If he does emerge back into the above ground of his own volition (and I'm not that far yet, as I mentioned), that would indeed mean that he was now able to make decisions for himself. I guess the question I have is how one goes about becoming more authentic. Is it something that's there all the time? Does it need to be unearthed or discovered? Or can authenticity be chosen/ developed?
|
|
|
|
Post by jarelyrebollar on Jun 22, 2024 19:26:49 GMT
You make a compelling point about Fred’s initial lack of choice in entering the Underground. Survival instincts drive Fred's retreat from an oppressive system, and this forced descent is what catalyzes his journey toward self-discovery. The harsh realities above ground strip away his external identity, leaving him to confront his core self.
Regarding authenticity, it seems to be both an inherent quality and something that can be found through experience. Fred’s ordeal suggests that authenticity might lie dormant within us, obscured by societal expectations and material goods. The lack of these influences forces Fred to examine his true nature and moral compass.
|
|
|
|
Post by dianarmartinez on Jun 24, 2024 2:13:05 GMT
I like your point of view about Fred's existential crisis and his desire to escape the world. Isn't it sad that he obtained that superficial freedom? It caused him to lose his family. Rachel was at the hospital, and the baby was being born when he decided to escape the police's custody. Yes, he has that freedom and a true reflection of his moral self, but he is alone. He was forced to abandon his only family because of the harsh conditions of society.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dr. Nemmers on Jun 24, 2024 21:40:06 GMT
Yes, this is compelling point as well, Diana. The freedom that he achieved was somewhat superficial, and the material spoils were money, guns, jewels, etc. And yet, the personal freedom that he obtained was so powerful that he willingly left it on order to go find others and bring it to them. It was that compelling!
Making this decision does result in a tremendous cost-- his marriage with his wife, any sort of relationship with his son, and eventually his life. Yet I wonder if the existentialist thinks this might be an exchange worth making? One might suggest that a life lived unfree as a slave is not a life lived at all...
Would Fred go back and do it over again the same way?
|
|
