Show how Sartre displays his theory ‘existence precedes essence’.

Answer

Show how Sartre displays his theory ‘existence precedes essence’. [2021, 2015]

Or, How does Sartre display his theory ‘existence precedes essence’ in “Nausea’? [2018] ✪✪✪

Jean-Paul Sartre (1905–1980), in his novel “Nausea” (1938), clearly shows his theory that “existence precedes essence.” Through the experiences of Antoine Roquentin, Sartre presents man’s lonely awareness of existing before finding any purpose or meaning. The novel proves that humans exist first and then create their own essence through choices and actions.

Awareness of Existence: Roquentin becomes aware that things simply exist without reason or purpose. He feels disgusted by ordinary objects and calls this feeling “Nausea.” He says, 

“The Nausea is not inside me: I feel it out there in the wall.” 

This shows that existence is raw and meaningless before man gives it value. Even simple things like a stone or paper make him realize that the world exists without design. Sartre uses this to show that being comes first, and essence comes later.

Revelation Under The Tree: Under the chestnut tree, Roquentin has a clear vision of pure existence. He feels that everything in the world simply “is.” He writes, 

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

This scene reveals Sartre’s belief that existence is heavy, unnecessary, and absurd. The world has no fixed essence; man must face it and create meaning on his own.

Freedom and Creation: Ultimately, Roquentin comes to understand that freedom entails creating one’s essence through action. Listening to music, he says, 

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

He decides to write a novel to give meaning to his life. Thus, Sartre shows that man’s freedom and creativity form his true essence after existence.

In short, through Roquentin’s journey, Sartre clearly expresses existentialism. Man first exists in a meaningless world and later shapes his own essence through freedom, awareness, and creative choice. This is Sartre’s living proof that