What is Ontological Realism? An Exploration Through Literature
The Power of Words: A Writer’s Opening
Words have the power to shape our reality. In the vast, intricate world of literature, they carry immense weight, not only to tell stories but to craft entire worlds, define characters, and interrogate the very nature of existence. Every sentence, every metaphor, every narrative choice holds the potential to transform our understanding of the world around us. And as we delve into the concept of ontological realism, it’s essential to recognize the transformative nature of storytelling—how writers weave together reality and perception to present us with different facets of existence.
But what happens when literature itself begins to grapple with the very question of “being”? Ontological realism is a philosophical concept that seeks to confront the nature of reality, focusing on what truly “exists” beyond the surface of subjective experience. In literature, ontological realism manifests as the exploration of the fundamental nature of existence—whether through complex characters, surreal landscapes, or narratives that challenge conventional understandings of reality. Let’s take a closer look at how this concept finds expression in literary works.
The Foundations of Ontological Realism in Literature
Ontological realism, at its core, refers to the belief that reality exists independently of human perception. In philosophical terms, it suggests that objects, people, and events in the world exist whether or not we are aware of them or can understand them. Applied to literature, ontological realism becomes an exploration of what exists beneath the surface of human consciousness and perception.
This brings us to the realm of literature, where writers often bend and stretch the boundaries of reality to explore the core of human existence. Characters, for instance, are not mere reflections of the authors who create them; they possess their own ontological standing, an inherent existence that exists independently of their creators. Take Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis, where Gregor Samsa’s sudden transformation into a giant insect forces the reader to confront an unsettling, yet undeniable reality. The fantastical nature of Gregor’s metamorphosis questions what is real, what is human, and how identity exists when society’s perception fractures reality.
Characters as Ontological Beings
In ontological realism, characters can be understood as more than just plot devices or reflections of their creators’ inner worlds. They are presented as entities with their own existential weight, existing within and beyond the scope of the narrative. They challenge the binary between what is imagined and what is real.
For example, in Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes, the character of Don Quixote becomes an ontological puzzle. His delusion that he is a knight in a chivalric world places him at odds with the physical reality around him, yet his journey—his unwavering belief in his own perception of the world—adds layers of complexity to the notion of what is truly real. Is his reality any less real than the world perceived by those around him? Cervantes leaves this question unanswered, allowing readers to grapple with the tension between subjective and objective existence.
Ontological Realism and Literary Themes
Ontological realism in literature often arises in conjunction with themes such as identity, perception, and the conflict between reality and illusion. These themes serve as vehicles for questioning the very nature of what “exists.”
One of the most significant examples of this is in works of magical realism, where ordinary settings and events are imbued with extraordinary elements, making readers question where reality ends and the imaginary begins. Gabriel García Márquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude offers a rich exploration of reality’s malleability. The Buendía family’s history is filled with events that seem impossible—levitating priests, miraculous births, and inevitable cycles of fate—but the acceptance of these occurrences within the narrative forces the reader to reflect on the limits of reality itself. The novel suggests that perhaps the real is not always what we can see or touch; sometimes it is an interplay of perceptions, memories, and histories.
In more contemporary works, ontological realism appears in the form of unreliable narrators or fractured timelines, challenging the reader to question the authenticity of the narrative being presented. The concept of “multiple realities” or “parallel universes” often arises in these contexts, where the boundaries between different planes of existence blur. In works like House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski, the layered narrative, footnotes, and disorienting text layout reflect the ontological confusion of a house that is both real and unreal, much like the experiences of those who encounter it.
Inviting Readers to Explore Their Own Realities
Ontological realism in literature does not merely ask readers to consume stories; it invites them to engage in a deeper, more introspective examination of their own perceptions of reality. The unsettling questions it raises—what is real? What is truth? Can we trust our senses?—become personal inquiries, ones that resonate with every reader in different ways.
By confronting the paradoxes of existence and reality, ontological realism becomes a mirror to our own lives. As readers, we are not passive observers; we are active participants in the ongoing conversation about existence. Every narrative, every character, and every plot twist becomes a point of entry into a larger, philosophical dialogue about what it means to be human.
Join the Discussion
How do you perceive the relationship between fiction and reality? Can a character exist independently of its creator’s imagination, or is every narrative an extension of its writer’s worldview? Share your thoughts and literary connections in the comments below—let’s continue to explore the depths of reality, one story at a time.
Tags: ontological realism, literature, magical realism, identity, perception, existentialism, Kafka, Cervantes, narrative theory