Absurdity in Poverty

The fact that poverty still exists as a social construct in modern society would be heavily agreed upon by many as being “absurd”; specifically in the sense of it being pointless, unpredictable, and lacks all meaning behind the notion. In simple terms, there is no logical or rational reasoning behind the social epidemic of poverty, especially when it comes to children. Many well-known absurdist authors would agree, although in slightly different ways. Although the same question can be applied from each absurdist. “What is our purpose?”.
French philosopher and author Albert Camus may well indeed be one of the most thought of authors when dealing with absurd fiction. When it comes to Camus’ views, it may appear on the outside to be a very bleak and pessimistic outlook on life to some, to others, it is simply the gloom and doom of the real world. Camus believed that there was no purpose to life, yet human life was still valuable (class reading, 2024). In one of his more famous pieces, “The Plague”, he illustrates how that even when humanity is challenged by an epidemic, whenever the plague is considered over, the people go back to the normal mundane, as if not having learned anything from the catastrophe they had just been through (The Plague, The citizens that had gone through such an ordeal failed to be better than before, resorting back to what clearly did not work systematically prior. They did this rather than finding the purpose and worth that had been absent. This can be applied to the idea of poverty, as even though it was created by a corrupt and materialistic system, those that endure such matter much more than the worth bestowed upon them by society. This especially pertains to the children that are affected, as they were born into such an unjust environment, at no fault of their own. Innocent victims that did not ask to be brought into this world, but must live by the rules society places, must now embark on the journey of what they deem as their purpose. Camus would agree that regardless of external factors, each individual matters more than they think they do, no matter the predicament they are placed in, which would apply to the impoverished.
American playwright Edward Albee is also a well-known absurdist (Edward Albee, 2024). His most famous works being “The Zoo Story” and “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”, these really set the author’s tone and attitude of absurdism (Edward Albee, 2024). Especially in dealing with the piece of “The Zoo Story”, this exemplifies the loneliness and emptiness that humanity feels (Edward Albee, 2024). With these emotions that individuals feel, it illustrates how people need other people, and just need someone to help or listen. This work by Albee also highlights how humanity has self-inflicted isolation, which makes his audience really ponder the question of “Why?”. With this idea, it can also be applied to that of poverty. Why do we let things get so out of hand? Why are we not helping these people? These people feel all of those intense emotions as well, but society has further excluded them. Exclusion can more than amplify those emotions, and intensify the desire for human connection that we lack as a society. Albee would agree the fact that those in poverty strive for just a connection, yet are left feeling isolated by society.
German-language novelist and writer Franz Kafka, was most well-known for his work “The Metamorphosis” (Franz Kafka, 2024).With he himself having suffered with conditions such as anxiety and depression, his works often reflected tones of burden, guilt, anxiety, isolation, and the search for salvation (Franz Kafka, 2024). Being no exception to the bleakness he portrays, this yet again applies now more than ever to this particular social epidemic. Society often deems those affected by poverty as burdens we must endure. These individuals often need help in numerous ways; whether it be for finances, food, shelter, healthcare, or employment, those who are deemed to be in poverty often feel guilt and anxiety for needing so much assistance. This amplifies the themes presented by Kafka. Although a somber realization, Kafka would agree that those in poverty do indeed harbor those themes.
Samuel Beckett, who could be easily compared to Edward Albee, was an Irish novelist and dramatist also known for absurdism (Samuel Beckett, 2024). Much of Beckett’s works demonstrated the social interactions between people and the lives of those who were dealt a poor hand in life. In probably one of his more famous pieces, “Waiting for Gaodot”, Beckett also subtly alludes to the ever-asked question of “Why?” (Samuel Beckett, 2024). When the protagonist achieves his goal, has he found his purpose? Does his life now have meaning? Or has he only fulfilled a desire, yet still remains at square one, to find his purpose for simply being? This can be applied to poverty in multiple ways. One in being, when an individual who suffers from poverty receives some sort of help or assistance, thus getting further in life, have circumstances really changed? Surely since things are at least slightly alleviated, they would be able to feel as though life is coming into fulfillment. But circumstances have not changed to answer the question of “what is the purpose?”. And of course, just like any other social epidemic when pertaining to absurdity, there is none. Beckett would agree that humanity is still asking this existential question, and still searching for the answer.
Kurt Vonnegut was also a profound absurdist literary author who was well known for his satire and dark humor (Kurt Vonnegut, 2024). One of his most famous pieces being “Slaughter House-Five”, this work demonstrates the cruelty and destructiveness of war, represented via bombing raids (Kurt Vonnegut, 2024). His works show how humanity overall can be cruel and heartless in general, which can again be applied to poverty. Humanity can be cruel to those who are suffering in poverty, therefore proving Vonnegut correct.
Overall, it can be agreed upon by each absurdist and much of society, that the social epidemic of poverty is beyond pointless. It is something that does not need to exist and could be rectified with just a little help and compassion. We are not alone in this world, and to treat others as if they are, is heartless and cruel. To help and heal others is to find purpose for both them and you. We are not alone in this world, and action must be taken to turn what is deemed as absurd, into perseverance and certainty.

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