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Simone De Beauvoir Research Paper

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Simone de Beauvoir, French writer and philosopher, led an interesting and controversial life. Though categorized as a feminist, Beauvoir did not refer to or categorize herself as such until much later in life, and paved the way for women in France in the 20th century by starting a movement for women to be more equal with men. Because of this, women across the world have had better opportunities, though their struggle continues.
Background
Simone de Beauvoir was born on January 9, 1908 in Paris, France. She was the eldest daughter of George Bertand de Beauvoir and Francoise Brasseur de Beauvoir. Simone’s father earned a degree in law and worked as a civil servant, but had dreams of pursing acting, which he never accomplished. George de Beauvoir …show more content…

During World War II, the Nazi invasion of France and occupation of Paris fundamentally changed daily life for Parisians, and stripped de Beauvoir of her occupation and lover. Jean-Paul Sartre was captured and held prisoner by the Germans for 9 months. De Beauvoir was deeply saddened, and wrote many letters to Sartre during this time. The war had a major impact Simone de Beauvoir’s existentialist philosophy. De Beauvoir states that we “exist,” “we are here.” De Beauvoir believed that life should be lived to the fullest and that decisions made without knowing outcomes defines “freedom.” Simone de Beauvoir often wrote about the human struggle to be free, and what this means. World War II was a dark time which changed the Parisian view of life. Parisians focused on daily survival, awaiting the return of loved ones. De Beauvoir’s philosophy reflects this.
Philosophy
De Beauvoir was an existentialist philosopher. The Oxford Dictionary defines the word existentialism as “A philosophical theory or approach that emphasizes the existence of the individual person as a free and responsible agent determining their own development through acts of the will.” (Oxford Dictionary, n.d.) De Beauvoir focused on the human struggle to be free. She believed that to be human is to be free, and to be free is to make choices. (Cecil, 2012). De Beauvoir argues that the choices are specific to the individual. (Cecil, …show more content…

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