The Problem of Dilemma from the Viewpoint of Aesthetic and Ethical Existence in Kh. Hosseini’s Novel “And the Mountains Echoed”

Abstract

Key words: personality, sacrifice, self-sacrifice, morality, virtue, feelings The article is dedicated to the inseparable reality of human existence – the analysis of the problem of choice. The analysis is based on the philosophical observations concluded in the works of the 19th century Danish philosopher, theologian and writer Søren Kierkegaard. The study of the problematics of the dilemma was carried out within the limits of the heroes’ life experience in the novel “And the Mountains Echoed” by Kh. Hosseini. The characters of the composition often have to face a dilemma during their lifetime, to sacrifice or self-sacrifice, to perish or be reborn morally. In the border zone, within the same reality, the heroes manifest different moral and psychological emotions, different behavior and different characteristics – taking personal or universal interests as a starting point. On their complicated path of identity search the heroes, at the aesthetic existential field, fall into oblivion, lose their common sense and the ability to judge, violating written and unwritten human laws. On the contrary, for some heroes in the existential paradigm, life's breakthrough events and the problem of dilemma serve as a transitional bridge: they have experienced moral development and now see the meaning of their existence in serving the general welfare. Considering the issue within the value systems of morality and virtue, it can be concluded that the characters of the novel make fatal decisions according to their respective existential spheres, i.e., from the aesthetic and ethical positions.