LITERARY CRITICISM ON IRIS MURDOCH’S EXISTENTIALISM

Abstract

This study examines critical perspectives on existentialist themes in Iris Murdoch’s novels, focusing on her engagement with mortality, ethics, and human consciousness. Through an analysis of key scholarly works, the paper highlights how Murdoch integrates existentialist philosophy into her narrative structures and character development. Critics emphasize her nuanced exploration of freedom, moral responsibility, and authenticity, illustrating the moral and psychological depth of her fiction. The study also considers debates surrounding Murdoch’s unique interpretation of existentialism, showing how her novels reconcile philosophical inquiry with literary artistry. By reviewing the critical discourse, this paper provides insight into the significance of existentialist thought in Murdoch’s literary contributions and its impact on 20th-century literature.