The Existential Freedom

The Existential Freedom

Freedom

Existential freedom identifies freedom as the self-determined patterns of thought and decision making beyond cultural, societal, political and age/gender factors. Plainly stated, this type of freedom deals with freedom of the individual’s mind. The concept of self-determination is synonymous with freewill. One example of existential freedom is the story of American Colonial settlers. Existential freedom of the mind was the catalyst for settlers to sail to the New World in search of political and religious freedoms. Before the settlers were physically free to live as they chose, they first had to become existentially free. When their newfound religious freedoms are compared to existential freedom, the similarity of guidance from within ones self can be seen.
The first evidence of Pablo’s existentialist freedom is that he didn't show the same signs of fear and terror as the other prisoners. One example of this difference can be found during the sentencing scene. When they are told that they are sentenced to death the next morning, Pablo did not show fear like the others. As a matter of fact, Pablo seemed more concerned for Juan’s fate. “It’s a rotten deal for the kid,” Pablo said. Pablo himself draws a comparison between himself and Juan with regards to pain and suffering.
“He had a terrible fear of suffering, it was all he thought about: it was his age. I never thought about it and it wasn't fear of suffering that made me sweat.”
In this situation, Pablo seems to demonstrate more sympathy for Juan than dread for his own life. It is Pablo’s freedom of the mind that permits him the luxury to care for others.
Secondly, Pablo faced death without regret. During his interrogation, he does not offer up any defense of himself like the others. His responses to the interrogators’ questions are short and to the point. As the story progresses, Pablo grows increasingly more accepting of his ultimate fate. The firmness of Pablo’s mind fully...

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