What literary movement is associated with the exploration of existential themes and the absurd?

The literary movement most closely associated with the exploration of existential themes and the absurd is Modernism. This period, which emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, was characterized by a break from traditional forms and a questioning of established values. Writers sought to capture the disorientation and alienation of individuals in an increasingly fragmented world.

Modernist literature often delves into the human condition, exploring themes such as meaninglessness, identity, and the inherent absurdity of life. This is evident in the works of authors like Franz Kafka, whose stories highlight the absurdity of human existence, and Virginia Woolf, who reflects on individual consciousness and subjective experience.

In contrast, while Surrealism does incorporate elements of the absurd, it primarily focuses on escaping reality through dream-like narratives and irrational juxtaposition rather than a deep existential inquiry. Romanticism is centered on emotion, nature, and individualism, and does not typically address absurdity as a theme. Postmodernism often challenges boundaries and conventions of literature, but the existential themes are more prominently associated with Modernism. Thus, Modernism is the most fitting choice for the exploration of these specific themes.