Existentialism of Simon Portrayed in Karen M. McManus’ One of Us is Lying

Abstract

This study aims to describe the form of freedom of the character Simon in Jean-Paul Sartre’s concept of freedom existentialism in the novel Karen M. McManus's One of Us is Lying. The objective of this study is to analyze the utilization of freedom in storytelling by the character Simon, who catalyzes conflict as a companion. This analysis is conducted within the framework of Jean-Paul Sartre's existentialist concepts, etre-pour-soi, etre-en-soi, and mauvaise foi. This research is a descriptive qualitative study using content analysis on the novel One of Us is Lying. The data was collected through reading and note-taking techniques. The data analysis technique uses the concepts of data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion. The results of this study include; etre-pour-soi of Simon's character is shown by him exercising freedom in the form of running a gossip application at his school without caring about the impact on the person who is the object of gossip; entre-en-soi of Simon's character is demonstrated by his capacity to acknowledge and make use of his weaknesses.; mauvaise foi of Simon's character is depicted as running away from disappointment by blaming others and taking revenge.