American Literature CLEP Prep Practice Exam 2025 – All-in-One Study Guide for Exam Success

Ralph Ellison is celebrated for his profound exploration of the human condition and the complexities of identity within the context of American society, which aligns closely with existential themes. His most famous work, "Invisible Man," delves into the struggles of African Americans, grappling with questions of self-identity, societal visibility, and the search for personal meaning in a racially stratified world. Ellison's narrative emphasizes individual experience and the quest for authenticity, reflecting the existential belief that individuals must find or create meaning in an often indifferent or chaotic environment.

Other options like Kurt Vonnegut and Philip Roth also engage with existential themes, but their focuses differ. Vonnegut's works often blend satire with science fiction, critiquing social norms but not always centering on the existential dilemmas of American identity as Ellison does. Jack Kerouac, while a prominent figure in capturing the American spirit through the Beat Generation, often emphasizes spontaneity and a search for transcendence rather than the existential struggle that is a hallmark of Ellison's writing. Thus, Ellison stands out as the clear choice for an author known specifically for his existential approach to the American experience.