Nausea by Jean-Paul Sartre is a profound philosophical novel exploring existential angst and the meaning of existence through its protagonist, Antoine Roquentin. Critics praise its deep introspection and innovative narrative style. However, some find it excessively introspective and dense. The novel remains a seminal work in existentialist literature, provoking thought and debate.

Readers who enjoy Nausea by Jean-Paul Sartre typically appreciate existential literature and deep philosophical explorations of meaning and individuality. Fans of Sartre's work may also enjoy Albert Camus' The Stranger or Franz Kafka's The Metamorphosis, which similarly delve into themes of alienation and existential angst.

In the fictional French city of Bouville, historian Antoine Roquentin lives in isolation, researching an 18th-century aristocrat. As he documents his life in a diary, he grows increasingly disoriented and nauseated by the existence of objects and his own being, questioning the meaning of existence. His interactions with people and his work drive him deeper into existential despair and alienation. Nausea includes depictions of pedophilia, suicidal ideation, self-harm, and ableism, as well as references to sexual assault and contains racist stereotypes and language.

Mysterious / Contemplative / Melancholic / Dark

Jean-Paul Sartre

Adult

Novel

Fiction

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Nausea Summary and Study Guide

Background

Nausea Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Pages 1-40

Nausea Pages 1-40 Summary & Analysis

Pages 41-80

Nausea Pages 41-80 Summary & Analysis

Pages 81-125

Nausea Pages 81-125 Summary & Analysis

Pages 126-178

Nausea Pages 126-178 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Nausea Character Analysis

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Themes

Nausea Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Nausea Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Nausea Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Nausea Essay Topics

Nausea

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