Examples of existentialism in Stranger Than Fiction?

Answer 1

Existentialism (as defined on Wikipedia) deals with the conditions of existence of the individual person and his or her emotions, actions, responsibilities, and thoughts. It maintains that the individual is solely responsible for giving his or her own life meaning and for living that life passionately and sincerely, in spite of many existential obstacles and distractions including despair, angst, absurdity, alienation, and boredom. An example of existentialism in Stranger than Fiction is when Professor Hilbert suggests that Harold can do whatever he wants to, even if it just means eating nothing but pancakes, with the point being that he should go out and live his life. From there, Harold begins learning how to play the guitar (as we learned earlier that he always wished his life was more musical.) He then risks jeopardizing his career by breaking the IRS's Auditor/Auditee Relationship Protocol. When questioned by Ana about the anti-fraternization rules, he tells her he doesn't care, he wants her.