Critically Analyze the Character of Antoine Roquentin in “Nausea”. 

Answer

Critically analyze the character of Antoine Roquentin in “Nausea”. 

In Jean-Paul Sartre’s (1905-80) existentialist masterpiece “Nausea” (1938), the protagonist Antoine Roquentin emerges as a complex and thoughtful character. He wrestles with the fundamental questions of existence and meaning. Roquentin’s journey through existential anxiety and disillusionment serves as a significant exploration of the human condition. Through his experiences and interactions, Sartre crafts a convincing portrayal of Roquentin’s existential crisis and his search for authenticity in a world devoid of inherent purpose.

Existential Anxiety and Alienation: Roquentin’s character is defined by a profound sense of existential angst and alienation. He experiences a deep sense of nausea and disillusionment with the world around him. He feels detached from society and overwhelmed by the absurdity of existence. As he reflects, 

I am alone in the midst of these happy, reasonable voices.

This quote reveals Roquentin’s existential dilemma, where the pursuit of knowledge only deepens his sense of emptiness and meaninglessness.

Radical Freedom and Responsibility: Sartre emphasizes Roquentin’s existential freedom and the burden of individual responsibility that accompanies it. Roquentin grapples with the idea that he is solely responsible for his own existence and choices without any predetermined essence or purpose. This realization fills him with anxiety and uncertainty as he laments, 

I am alone in this white, garden-rimmed street. Alone and free.

Roquentin’s struggle to navigate his freedom highlights Sartre’s existential philosophy. This highlights the inherent tension between autonomy and despair.

Search for Meaning and Authenticity: Throughout the novel, Roquentin begins a quest for meaning and authenticity in a world devoid of inherent significance. Roquentin has realized he is through with the project of writing about the Marquis de Rollebon. Now that his relationship with the Marquis de Rollebon is over, he sees it clearly for the first time.

I no longer existed in myself, but in him; I ate for him, breathed for him.

He rejects societal conventions and embraces his individuality. He desires to live authentically in accordance with his own values and experiences. Roquentin’s pursuit of authenticity is reflected in his desire to write a historical biography of a seemingly insignificant figure. He seeks to find meaning in the ordinary. Soon, he realizes his mistake and decides to write an autobiography.

Alienation in Relationships: Roquentin’s existential alienation extends to his interpersonal relationships. He struggles to connect with others on a meaningful level. His romantic entanglement with Anny is fraught with detachment. It reflects his inability to engage with another person fully. A sense of detachment and disconnection marks Roquentin’s interactions with other characters.

Fight with the Absurd: Roquentin faces the absurdity of existence. He wrestles with the realization that life lacks inherent meaning or purpose. He is plagued by moments of existential nausea, where the world appears meaningless. Roquentin’s encounter with the chestnut tree displays his conflict with the absurd, as he experiences an internal revulsion towards its existence. He reflects, 

Existence … must invade you suddenly, master you, weigh heavily on your heart.

This moment reveals Roquentin’s existential despair and his futile attempt to find meaning in a universe indifferent to his existence.

Embrace of Radical Authenticity: Despite the inherent absurdity of existence, Roquentin ultimately embraces radical authenticity as a means of transcending his existential despair. He embraces the idea that existence precedes essence. He affirms his freedom to create his own meaning in a meaningless world. Roquentin’s decision to face the absurd with defiance and resilience reflects his existential heroism, as he asserts, 

I exist, that is all, and I find it nauseating.

This declaration epitomizes Roquentin’s embrace of radical authenticity and his refusal to surrender to the fatalistic nothingness of existence.

Through the character of Antoine Roquentin, Jean-Paul Sartre explores the existential plight of human existence. Roquentin’s journey serves as a luminous reminder of the inherent absurdity of life and the freedom that comes with embracing the existential void. In “Nausea,” Sartre invites readers to confront the unsettling truths of existence and wrestle with the profound questions that define the human condition.