National Absurdity Day Quiz

1. What of the following philosophical work discusses the concept of the absurd in human existence?

The Republic

Myth of Sisyphus

Leviathan

Critique of Pure Reason

"The Myth of Sisyphus" is a philosophical essay by Albert Camus that introduces and explores the concept of the absurd in human existence. Camus discusses how life can often seem meaningless, drawing an analogy with the myth of Sisyphus, a figure from Greek mythology condemned to repeatedly roll a boulder up a hill only for it to roll down each time it nears the top. Camus uses this story to illustrate the eternal struggle and inherent absurdity in human life, yet he concludes that one must imagine Sisyphus happy as the struggle itself toward the heights is enough to fill a man's heart.

Explanation

"The Myth of Sisyphus" is a philosophical essay by Albert Camus that introduces and explores the concept of the absurd in human existence. Camus discusses how life can often seem meaningless, drawing an analogy with the myth of Sisyphus, a figure from Greek mythology condemned to repeatedly roll a boulder up a hill only for it to roll down each time it nears the top. Camus uses this story to illustrate the eternal struggle and inherent absurdity in human life, yet he concludes that one must imagine Sisyphus happy as the struggle itself toward the heights is enough to fill a man's heart.

2. Who is known for absurdist plays in the late 1950s?

Henrik Ibsen

Samuel Beckett

Anton Chekhov

Tennessee Williams

Samuel Beckett is renowned for his contributions to the absurdist theatre, particularly in the late 1950s. His work epitomizes the Theatre of the Absurd, a genre that highlights the existential plight of humanity and the absurdity of human existence. Beckett’s most famous play, "Waiting for Godot," which premiered in 1953, is a quintessential example of this style. The play features characters engaged in a variety of discussions and encounters while waiting for someone named Godot, who ultimately never arrives. This and his other works challenge traditional narratives and structures, emphasizing a sense of meaninglessness and the breakdown of logical communication, which are central to absurdist philosophy.

Explanation

Samuel Beckett is renowned for his contributions to the absurdist theatre, particularly in the late 1950s. His work epitomizes the Theatre of the Absurd, a genre that highlights the existential plight of humanity and the absurdity of human existence. Beckett’s most famous play, "Waiting for Godot," which premiered in 1953, is a quintessential example of this style. The play features characters engaged in a variety of discussions and encounters while waiting for someone named Godot, who ultimately never arrives. This and his other works challenge traditional narratives and structures, emphasizing a sense of meaninglessness and the breakdown of logical communication, which are central to absurdist philosophy.

3. What does absurdism state about the universe?

It's orderly and structured.

It's chaotic and random.

It's predictable and linear.

It's irrational and meaningless.

Absurdism posits that the universe is inherently irrational and devoid of meaning. It suggests that the search for objective meaning or purpose in an uncaring world is futile, leading to an existential conflict between the human quest for significance and the absurd nature of existence, where efforts to rationalize the irrational are ultimately fruitless.

Explanation

Absurdism posits that the universe is inherently irrational and devoid of meaning. It suggests that the search for objective meaning or purpose in an uncaring world is futile, leading to an existential conflict between the human quest for significance and the absurd nature of existence, where efforts to rationalize the irrational are ultimately fruitless.

4. On which day is National Absurdity Day celebrated?

1st October

20th December

5th November

20th November

National Absurdity Day is celebrated on November 20th each year. This day is dedicated to acknowledging the absurdities in history, society, and daily life. It's a time to reflect on the nonsensical aspects of human existence with a sense of humor and light-heartedness. Celebrating this quirky day can involve participating in or creating absurd events and activities that defy common sense or challenge usual expectations, providing a chance for people to laugh at the sillier sides of life.

Explanation

National Absurdity Day is celebrated on November 20th each year. This day is dedicated to acknowledging the absurdities in history, society, and daily life. It's a time to reflect on the nonsensical aspects of human existence with a sense of humor and light-heartedness. Celebrating this quirky day can involve participating in or creating absurd events and activities that defy common sense or challenge usual expectations, providing a chance for people to laugh at the sillier sides of life.

5. What is an example of an activity people could do to celebrate National Absurdity Day?

Hosting a tea party

Dressing in mismatched clothes

Planting a garden

Writing a serious essay

Dressing in mismatched clothes is a perfect activity for celebrating National Absurdity Day. It embraces the spirit of the day by encouraging people to step out of their daily routines and societal norms in a fun, visually striking way. This activity highlights the essence of absurdity by deliberately combining items of clothing that traditionally don't match, thus challenging conventional fashion norms and often provoking laughter and joy among participants and onlookers alike. It's a simple, accessible way to engage with the absurdity theme and enjoy a break from the ordinary.

Explanation

Dressing in mismatched clothes is a perfect activity for celebrating National Absurdity Day. It embraces the spirit of the day by encouraging people to step out of their daily routines and societal norms in a fun, visually striking way. This activity highlights the essence of absurdity by deliberately combining items of clothing that traditionally don't match, thus challenging conventional fashion norms and often provoking laughter and joy among participants and onlookers alike. It's a simple, accessible way to engage with the absurdity theme and enjoy a break from the ordinary.

6. Which term is used for absurdist plays and literature?

Bizarre Works

Surrealistic Writings

Theatre of the Absurd

Eccentric Dramas

"Theatre of the Absurd" is the term specifically used to describe a type of play and literature that reflects the absurdist philosophy. This genre emerged in the 1950s and 1960s, largely influenced by the existential philosophy of Albert Camus and Jean-Paul Sartre. Plays in this category are characterized by their portrayal of the human condition as essentially meaningless but comic in its absurdity. Notable playwrights associated with this genre include Samuel Beckett, Eugène Ionesco, and Harold Pinter. Their works often depict characters in incomprehensible, illogical situations, using disjointed dialogues to emphasize absurdity and existential angst.

Explanation

"Theatre of the Absurd" is the term specifically used to describe a type of play and literature that reflects the absurdist philosophy. This genre emerged in the 1950s and 1960s, largely influenced by the existential philosophy of Albert Camus and Jean-Paul Sartre. Plays in this category are characterized by their portrayal of the human condition as essentially meaningless but comic in its absurdity. Notable playwrights associated with this genre include Samuel Beckett, Eugène Ionesco, and Harold Pinter. Their works often depict characters in incomprehensible, illogical situations, using disjointed dialogues to emphasize absurdity and existential angst.

7. Which philosophy uses absurdity to describe pointless efforts in an uncaring world?

Nihilism

Absurdism

Stoicism

Existentialism

Absurdism is the philosophical stance that portrays life as futile and meaningless, highlighting the discrepancy between humans' need for purpose and the inherent lack of meaning in the world. It suggests that the human pursuit of meaning is in conflict with the indifferent, irrational universe, resulting in an absurd existence where efforts for significance are futile.

Explanation

Absurdism is the philosophical stance that portrays life as futile and meaningless, highlighting the discrepancy between humans' need for purpose and the inherent lack of meaning in the world. It suggests that the human pursuit of meaning is in conflict with the indifferent, irrational universe, resulting in an absurd existence where efforts for significance are futile.

8. Who coined the term "The Theatre of the Absurd"?

Albert Camus

Martin Esslin

Samuel Beckett

William Shakespeare

Martin Esslin coined the term "The Theatre of the Absurd." Esslin was a theatre critic and scholar who used this term in his 1961 book titled "The Theatre of the Absurd." He used it to describe a collection of plays written in the 1950s and 1960s that shared common themes of existentialist philosophy, where human existence is portrayed as nonsensical and often futile. This term has since become fundamental in discussions of modern theatre, categorizing works by playwrights such as Samuel Beckett, Eugène Ionesco, and Jean Genet, who delved into the absurdity of human life through their innovative and unconventional plays.

Explanation

Martin Esslin coined the term "The Theatre of the Absurd." Esslin was a theatre critic and scholar who used this term in his 1961 book titled "The Theatre of the Absurd." He used it to describe a collection of plays written in the 1950s and 1960s that shared common themes of existentialist philosophy, where human existence is portrayed as nonsensical and often futile. This term has since become fundamental in discussions of modern theatre, categorizing works by playwrights such as Samuel Beckett, Eugène Ionesco, and Jean Genet, who delved into the absurdity of human life through their innovative and unconventional plays.

9. In what century did Aristophanes write the comedy "The Wasps," which contains one of the earliest mentions of absurdity?

15th century

10th century

1st century BC

5th century BC

Aristophanes, a prominent ancient Greek playwright, wrote "The Wasps" in the 5th century BC. This play is one of his many works that uses sharp humor and satire to critique Athenian society and politics. "The Wasps" specifically targets the Athenian legal system, using absurdity to highlight the foolishness and inefficiencies within it. Aristophanes’ use of absurd themes to provoke thought and laughter makes his plays enduring examples of early comedic literature, and "The Wasps" stands out as a clever critique of societal norms during his time.

Explanation

Aristophanes, a prominent ancient Greek playwright, wrote "The Wasps" in the 5th century BC. This play is one of his many works that uses sharp humor and satire to critique Athenian society and politics. "The Wasps" specifically targets the Athenian legal system, using absurdity to highlight the foolishness and inefficiencies within it. Aristophanes’ use of absurd themes to provoke thought and laughter makes his plays enduring examples of early comedic literature, and "The Wasps" stands out as a clever critique of societal norms during his time.