What is the role of literature in understanding the human condition?

The "human condition" is an important part of our understanding of literature. Literary critics often label a piece of writing as literature - and not pulp fiction - if it tries to describe this "human condition". According to Reference.Com, this concept "refers to anything unique about being human, no matter the gender, race or religion of the person". We are a species that, no matter our individual differences, shares common challenges, questions and charactersitics.

Essentially, the discussion of the human condition is any thematic concern about human nature, human society or how we live our lives. In other words, it's about the fundamental issues of human existence. One of literature's central concerns is to comment on these issues; it might be better at it than psychology or philosophy!

If you are asked to make a theme statement about a piece of writing, the easiest way to identify a theme is to look for some challenge to the human condition. Look for common problems or conflicts that any person might face sometime in his or her life.

So let's be more specific. What kind of issues connected to "human nature, human society or how we live our lives" are we talking about? Well, it can mean MANY different things! Here are a few examples that come to mind:

How We Live Our Lives

-What is the good life?

-How do parents act towards their children?

-How do we deal with death?

-How do we deal with alienation from those around us?

-Should we conform or be original?

-How do we become adults? What is the process of maturation?

-What is the relationship between different generations or genders?

-How do we deal with excessive poverty or wealth?

Human Nature

-Are we naturally evil or good?

-Are we born with inherited traits or are we a "blank slate"?

-What's more important for human beings? Law and order or freedom?

-Are we determined by our genetic structure, environment, etc., or do we have free will ?

-Are we naturally social beings or are we individuals first?

-Can we know universal truths?

-Are we selfish or altruistic?

Human Society

-What's the best way to live together?

-Should we care for the weak and poor, or let them fend for themselves?

-What is a natural society: equality or hierarchy?

-Is civilization positive or negative?

-How should society treat the environment?

Some authors will merely describe these issues, while others will provide their particular perspective and beliefs.

So, when looking for a commentary on the human condition in your readings, look for these central thematic issues. You won't find them, say, in James Bond novels, but most of the prose and poetry you'll read in English classes will have this element.