The Existence of Human Seen Through Fan Yi: Research on the Tragic Theme of Thunderstorm from the Perspective of Existentialism

Cao Yu consistently engaged in philosophical reflections on the existential predicament of humanity since its inception. Within Thunderstorm, he synthesised the social consciousness of China's post-May Fourth era with the redemptive philosophical traditions of Chinese literature, seeking amidst contradictions to uncover practical solutions or spiritual outlets for individuals like Fan Yi.This paper endeavours to explore Cao Yu's existential reflections on the existential predicament of the "human being" with "subjectivity", and his quest for salvation for the "human race" since the May Fourth Movement, through close textual analysis within an existentialist framework. By examining the character of Fan Yi—who embodies both Chinese and Western literary traditions and cultural dilemmas, and who most profoundly represents the essence of Thunderstorm and reveals Cao Yu's creative psyche—this study investigates the tragic themes of Thunderstorm.to explore Cao Yu's pan-philosophical contemplation of the existential predicament of the "subject-oriented human being" and his quest for the redemption of the "Fan Yi type" since the May Fourth Movement.