Text

Paul Kalanithi Life Struggle In The Memoir “When Breath Becomes Air (A Study of Existentialism)

---

This research aims to analyze Paul Kalanithi's life struggle as depicted in his
memoir When Breath Becomes Air through the perspective of Soren
Kierkegaard's existentialism theory. The memoir recounts Kalanithi's life
experience as a neurosurgeon who was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer
at the age of 36. The focus of this analysis is to understand how Kalanithi goes
through various emotional phases, namely denial, anger, bargaining,
depression, acceptance, and awareness, in facing the limitations of life and the
meaning of his existence. This research uses a descriptive qualitative method
by referring to the concept of existentialism which emphasizes individual
freedom, responsibility, and the search for the meaning of life. The results
showed that Kalanithi not only managed to overcome fears and limitations, but
also found peace through relationships with others and the legacy he left
behind. His deep awareness of death changed his perspective on life, focusing
on the value of human relationships as the core of the meaning of existence.
This research makes an important contribution to the understanding of
existentialism in a literary context, as well as an inspiration in understanding
the meaning of life in the midst of limitations.

---

Availability

Detail Information

Series Title

-

Call Number

BSI-2025-HAL s

Publisher

Makassar : FAH. Adab & Humaniora UIN ALauddin., 2025

Collation

xii, 72 hal :Ilus :, 30 cm

Language

English

ISBN/ISSN

-

Classification

BSI-2025-HAL s

Content Type

-

Media Type

-

Carrier Type

-

Edition

-

Subject(s)

Existentialism
Paul Kalanithi
When Breath Becomes Air
life struggle, meaning of life

Specific Detail Info

-

Statement of Responsibility

-

Other version/related

File Attachment

Comments

---

You must be logged in to post a comment