Existentialism and Literature

Existentialism is the philosophical belief that us as humans have complete free will in a basically meaningless and random universe. We come up with what is right and wrong on our own (as individuals not a race) and what is important to us, and have to add meaning to our own lives. Although existentialism is generally an atheistic principle I couldn't help but connect it to Timshel in East of Eden. Just like timshel gives you the ability to lead a life of good or evil despite how u feel you've been predestined (basically saying there is no predetermined destiny), existentialism says you can come up with your own values and life meaning despite what society says. In A Modest Proposal  too, besides lots of satire you can also view it from an existantialist viewpoint. If you didn't have your predetermined society  influenced views on what is right and wrong his idea of eating Irish babies might seem fully logical and a very possible solution to the over population of the poor. Luckily (well if you share my viewpoints) just the mere idea of this seems completely absurd and therefore you have the ability to see Swifts satire and not think he's a complete psycho. It's in this way that I must point out that it's only natural for humans to have very nonextentialist views. As social creatures through and through the majority of us are born with the ability to symphasize with others and establish meaning and code of conducts off of the reactions of others and how their reactions make us feel. That is why the majority of societies throughout history share very similar ideas on what is right and wrong. The only character we've read about in class whose behavior and character I believe completely reflect an existential viewpoint is Catherine. She's comes up with her own system of what is right and wrong and what makes her life meaningful. Logically this turns into what gives her personal gain. Although it can be argued that you can come up with "helping others" is important on your own, I don't fully agree. We'd have to base our opinion on what is "helping" others on their reactions and then it wouldn't fully be as an individual. Generally I don't feel like having a non existential viewpoint is a bad thing (although you shouldn't completely conform). Similar ideas of right and wrong are what caused us as a species to evolve into what we are today and flourish. Not to allow any religion, society, or other individuals to influence your viewpoints simply isn't human and I feel is represented well in Catherine from East of Eden. Beside from her appearance something is just plain wrong and inhuman with her. "Warped" (what most people feel are warped) views seem to stem from existential principles and make up the characteristics of the villains in many pieces of literature and culture.