erstand that he is not separate from the world but part of the same meaningless being. This awareness gives him both fear and insight.
Awareness of Isolation: Roquentin becomes aware that he is completely alone. He cannot connect deeply with others. He says,
“I am alone in the midst of these happy, reasonable voices.”
His loneliness makes him realize that human existence is independent and uncertain. He sees others living blindly without questioning life. But he cannot escape his growing awareness. This loneliness is not only social but spiritual. Sartre uses it to show that true self-consciousness often separates man from the comfort of the crowd.
Crisis of Identity: Roquentin also faces a crisis about who he is. He finds no fixed essence or permanent identity. He says,
“I no longer existed in myself, but in him; I ate for him, breathed for him.”
This confusion reveals that man’s identity is not given but made. He feels he has lost himself while trying to find meaning in others. Sartre shows that awareness of self requires breaking away from illusions. The crisis of identity is painful, but it helps Roquentin move closer to true self-understanding.
Vision Under the Chestnut Tree: Roquentin’s greatest moment of self-awareness happens under the chestnut tree. He realizes that existence is heavy, absurd, and without reason. He writes,
“Existence... must invade you suddenly, master you, weigh heavily on your heart.”
This is the climax of his consciousness. He understands that the world and himself exist without any purpose. This realization makes him feel Nausea, but also truth. He accepts that existence has no meaning by itself. Only awareness gives him control over this absurd reality.
Freedom Through Self-Knowledge: Ultimately, Roquentin discovers a new kind of freedom. He listens to his favorite song and says,
“I felt my body harden and the Nausea vanish.”
This shows that through awareness, he becomes free. He decides to write a novel to create meaning for himself. Sartre shows that true freedom comes from self-consciousness. Roquentin learns that life’s meaning is not given by others or by God—it is made by one’s own choice and creative action.
To sum up, “Nausea” presents Sartre’s clear analysis of human self-consciousness. Roquentin’s painful journey from confusion to awareness reflects man’s struggle to understand himself. Through his Nausea, he discovers freedom and responsibility. Sartre teaches that man must face existence bravely and create his own meaning. Awareness of self is not comfort—it is the path to freedom.
Continue Reading
Subscribe to access the full content
Upgrade to Premium