Author: Rishab Saha

Abstract: This paper examines the intersections of existential philosophy and feminist thought in Jean-Paul Sartre’s short story “Intimacy”. Drawing upon the philosophical frameworks of Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and other key theorists, the study explores how the narrative reflects themes of freedom, identity, and the condition of woman as the ‘Other.’ Through an analytical approach, the paper investigates the psychological and existential struggles of the female characters, particularly Lulu, highlighting the tension between autonomy and social conditioning. It further argues that while Sartre’s work does not explicitly engage with feminist discourse, Beauvoirian influence is evident in its portrayal of gendered experience. The paper concludes that “Intimacy” offers a subtle yet significant engagement with existential feminism, revealing the complex dynamics between embodiment, freedom, and identity.

Keywords: Existentialism, Feminism, Sartre, Beauvoir, Intimacy

Article Info: Received: 15 Apr 2026; Received in revised form: 11 May 2026; Accepted: 14 May 2026; Available online: 18 May 2026

DOI: 10.22161/ijels.113.18