Anas Ahmadi
Masculinity has indeed been a research concern in the last decade. However, a few researchers still discuss masculinity in philosophical terms, especially those examining existential morality using literary data. In this regard, this study aims to fill this gap. This study aims to explore how the narrative of male masculinity shapes the context of existential morality in Nigerian literature, specifically, through the lens of Kierkegaard’s existential morality. This research uses a qualitative method with an in-depth interpretation concept. This study uses a selected novel by an African writer, namely Things Fall Apart. The novel narrates Igbo’s masculinity. The results show three main findings. First, in the aesthetic stage, the character Okonkwo undergoes a hegemonic attitude of self-desire. Second, in the ethical stage, the character Okonkwo undergoes a conservative attitude towards customs and religion. Third, in the religious stage, the character Okonkwo attempts to commit suicide, but he fails to achieve the ‘leap of faith’ because his suicide is committed out of despair. From the author’s perspective, this shows that colonial culture creates resistance and impacts local communities. From a global perspective, this research is expected to add perspectives color to the study of masculinity in philosophy and literature. This research challenges global researchers further to strengthen the study of masculinity in the global context, focusing on philosophy, which has previously been underrepresented. © 2026, Adonis and Abbey Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Indonesia
