THE STUDY OF EXISTENTIALISM IN ELIF SHAFAK’S NOVEL ‘10 MINUTES 38 SECONDS IN THIS STRANGE WORLD’ THROUGH THE CHARACTER OF LEILA

Abstract

The presented study scrutinizes Elif Shafak’s novel 10 Minutes 38 Second in This Strange World and investigates the major character of Leila through the lens of Existentialism. The researcher examines this novel with parallel theories of Jean Paul Sartre, Albert Camus and Friedrich Nietzsche. These theories help researcher to intersect the novel to understand the circumstances faced by Leila and to comprehend the reason behind the absurdity, meaninglessness and loneliness in her life. The study has been conducted by qualitative method in which the primary source of this study is Elif Shafak’s novel 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World (2019), and different theories of Existentialism through which researcher textually analyzed the work. The other information also gathered from different articles as secondary source of data collection which is mentioned in reference section. This research showcases the elements of Existentialism in Leila’s character: how society, institutions, norms and customs make us the irrational being, where she is finding the answer of her existence, she always feels unwelcomed and unknown towards the world and herself. Leila who always wanted to know the purpose of her life, felt disowned by people and God who never saved her, and these situations lead her die miserably.