Nausea

Novel | Jean-Paul Sartre
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Discuss the Theme of Time and Free will as Depicted in Nausea.

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Discuss the theme of time and free will as depicted in Nausea. [2019]

Jean-Paul Sartre (1905–1980), in his novel “Nausea” (1938), presents the themes of time and free will as parts of human existence. Through Antoine Roquentin’s thoughts and experiences, Sartre shows how time feels empty and how man must use free will to create meaning. These ideas are central to Sartre’s philosophy of existentialism.

Time as Burden: Roquentin feels that time has lost its natural flow. He feels trapped in endless moments that do not connect. His diary shows his struggle to find continuity. He realizes that the past and future have no real value. He says, 

“Nothing. Existed.” 

This shows that each moment stands alone, heavy and meaningless. Time, for him, is not a guide but a burden that reminds him of his lonely existence.

Freedom and Choice: Sartre shows that Roquentin’s freedom is both gift and curse. He is free because no higher power controls him, but

this freedom also isolates him. When he says, 

“I hadn’t the right to exist,” 

He means life gives no rules to follow. Free will allows him to make choices, but it also forces him to take full responsibility for them.

Creating Meaning Through Action: At the end, Roquentin decides to write a novel. This act becomes his way to use time and freedom meaningfully. Listening to his favorite song, he feels the Nausea fade. He says, 

“I felt my body harden and the Nausea vanish.” 

By choosing creation, he turns meaningless time into personal purpose.

In Nausea, Sartre connects time with freedom. Roquentin learns that time itself has no purpose, but through free will, man can create his own meaning and live authentically.

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Jean-Paul Sartre
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