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 ‘Nausea’ is Sartre’s analysis of consciousness of self.

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Nausea is a notable literary work by Jean-Paul Sartre. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Nausea.

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 ‘Nausea’ is Sartre’s analysis of consciousness of self. -Discuss. [2021, 2019, 2015] ✪✪✪

Nausea” (1938) is a philosophical novel by Jean-Paul Sartre (1905–1980). In his Novel, he deeply studies the consciousness of self. Through the experiences of Antoine Roquentin, Sartre explores how man becomes aware of his own existence. The novel shows that self-consciousness brings both pain and freedom. Roquentin’s growing awareness of being reveals the loneliness and absurdity of life. His Nausea is not only physical but also spiritual. Through this, Sartre studies man’s self-awareness in a meaningless world.

Feeling of Existence: Roquentin’s consciousness begins with his strange feeling toward ordinary things. Simple objects make him feel sick and uneasy. He feels that things exist without purpose. He says, 

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

This shows that existence itself disturbs him. His realization is the first step of self-awareness. He begins to understand 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

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