Representation of Kierkegaard Thoughts in a Selection of Jean-Paul Sartre’s Dramatic Works

Existentialism is the most outstanding school of philosophy following the World War II, which has influenced the intellectuals and artists, especially poetry, plays and movies. One of the most notable playwrights who was also an existentialist philosopher was Jean-Paul Sartre who is thought of an atheist. This article seeks to support the hypothesis whether Sartre was influenced by the founder and philosopher of existentialism, Kierkegaard who, unlike Sartre, followed Christianity. If yes, what were the existentialist categories influenced by Kierkegaard? Are these categories represented in the Sartre’s dramatic works? To answer the questions, we first explain existentialist categories proposed by Kierkegaard: existential sphere (aesthetics), ethical sphere, religious spere, oblivion, choice, universal belief, remorse and feeling regret. Then, we analyze whether existentialist categories are represented in Sartre’s plays of Dirty Hands, the Unburied Dead, the Flies, the Respectful Prostitute, and the Hell. This article uses library methods and rational analysis to demonstrate how the aesthetic process of Sartre’s creation of dramatic works, influenced by the existentialist philosophy of Kierkegaard, has turned into memorable works of art in the history of the world’s dramatic literature.