EXISTENTIALISM IN THE WORKS OF AYRES MERDAK: A PHILOSOPHICAL INTERPRETATION THROUGH UNDER THE SNOW AND THE BLACK PRINCE

This article explores existentialist themes in the works of Ayres Merdak, particularly in his novels Under the Snow and The Black Prince, using the framework of European existentialist philosophy. The study examines how Merdak portrays human freedom, moral responsibility, loneliness, and the search for meaning in an indifferent world. By analyzing the psychological development of characters, their confrontation with absurd situations, and the ethical dilemmas they face, the paper demonstrates how existentialist philosophy informs literary narrative. Special attention is given to the use of symbolic landscapes, character introspection, and narrative structure to highlight the philosophical dimension of Merdak’s works. The research situates Merdak within a broader literary context, showing the relevance of existentialist ideas in understanding modern literature beyond the European canon.