Final answer:
The Theatre of the Absurd emerged after World War II as a response to the shocking aftermath of the war. Playwrights and artists sought to challenge audience complacency and explore existential questions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Theatre of the Absurd emerged after World War II as a response to the shocking aftermath of the war. Playwrights and artists, particularly in Europe, struggled to comprehend the loss, destruction, and horrors they had witnessed. They felt that words and logic had failed to prevent the atrocities, leading to a belief that traditional forms of communication were ineffective. The purpose of these plays was to challenge the audience's complacency and highlight the complex human condition, urging individuals to confront existential questions and seek liberation.