In Sunset Limited, Black conveys Kierkegaard's philosophy through his own life and words. At the beginning of the play, Black and White argue about the meaning of life: the first loves it, the second tries to put an end to it. From the beginning, Black attempts to identify with White's suicidal argument by noting that "human suffering and destiny are the same thing" (55). Of course, Black's confession does not mean that he believes White's argument, but rather that he understands White's pain. Likewise, Kierkegaard's description of life is similar to Black's reasoning. In his writings, Kierkegaard recounts both the painful way in which a person is brought into the world and then taken out of it, saying: "[...]and then tell me if something which begins and ends like this could be intended for pleasure . " But the tone of Black's and Kierkegaard's statements cannot go unquestioned, and White responds, "You're making no sense" (55). White fails to understand that it's all common sense to Black, who has not only suffered more than White could ever imagine, but also believes in a force beyond White's wildest dreams. Initially doomed, Black changes his life after a near-death experience, believing that God chose him of all people to talk to. He lives in hopes of spreading God's message and love to those who are deprived of it, because what pain can anyone experience if God is on the other side? In comparison, Kierkegaard's detailed analysis of despair calls the obvious solution faith alone. In one way or another, Black demonstrates Kierkegaard's belief by becoming a productive member of society. After believing he heard the Savior in his sleep, Black leaves his former friends and abstains from all forms of pleasure so that he can help those less fortunate than himself. I...... middle of article ......e is based on his belief that because there is no creator, human beings have no essence, and therefore they are "left alone, without excuse" and "born for no reason." He says that people realize this "the moment you lose the illusion of being eternal." Similarly, White also admits to Black that he always hated life and that when he realized that religion was just a "disguise", his hatred turned into boredom (138). of God reverberates throughout the play and through the suicidal choice White makes before the dialogue even begins. Comparably, Father Vincent Minceli expresses similar concerns about Sartre, concluding that Sartre's philosophy leads. directly to despair and suicide McCarthy's comparison between White and Sartre is notable, as both are not only atheists, but also express the pointless nature of life using synonymous expressions...