Through Roquentin, he states that they endure life without fully embracing it, marrying because it is the accepted way and fathering children at random (Sartre). The author also discusses the meaning endured by the “professionals”. Anny finds happiness in reliving her past, whereas the self-taught man looks for it in acquiring knowledge. In the text of the book, Sartre also examines the journey of other characters. The protagonist of the story accepts the insignificance of human existence and finds purpose in himself after undergoing a crisis of faith. Meaning Experienced by the “Professionals” However, one needs to adopt an active role in their own existence, commit to it, and stop looking for validation in others. Overall, joyful and productive life after crisis and despair is possible. Roquentin believes that writing this book will help him to remember his life before the crisis, be able to think about his mistakes without regret and repugnance and accept himself (Sartre). Instead of rationalizing his life through the examination of the lives of others and engaging in pointless relationships, he chooses to create something new and become his own reason for existing. He is determined to write a book that would make other people question their existence (Sartre). Unlike, his former lover Anny, who clings to the memories and uses Roquentin to measure her changes, the narrator decides to leave his old life behind (Sartre). However, Roquentin manages to do so by choosing to forego the past and accept meaningless of his existence. The narrator’s crisis feels him with a sense of hopelessness and despair that are difficult to recoup after. The end of his study as well as severed ties to his lovers and a casual acquaintance push Roquentin to find meaning beyond others. When he is unable to continue that examination, he feels dejected and disenfranchised and as if he lost a part of himself.

Notably, his work of passion revolved around researching the life of Marquis de Rollebon, who was involved in French politics in the 18th century (Sartre). He justified his own life through the existence of others, even if he did not know them personally. Before the crisis, the protagonist put faith in other people rather than himself. It can be argued that the crisis Roquentin undergoes shows him the way forward from his previous convictions and fallacies.

He is trapped mentally by his work that focuses on the life of an 18th-century political figure and is separated from people he knows after moving to Bouville (Sartre). The character is pushed to the brink of insanity by his self-imposed isolation. The crisis Roquentin faces leaves him unable to define who he is and makes him doubt his existence and the reality of his experiences. Learn more Faith and Roquentin’s Emotional Journey

A nausea jean paul sartre