Nausea Questions

Bring on the tough stuff - there’s not just one right answer.

  1. What event first sets off Antoine's feelings of "Nausea"? Why do you think this is?
  2. Do you think that getting back together with Anny would make Antoine happy? Why or why not?
  3. What does Antoine decide to do with his life at the end of this book? Is it a hopeful ending? Why or why not?
  4. How are the Self-Taught Man's beliefs different from Antoine's? Are they a worthwhile alternative? Why or why not?
  5. If Antoine doesn't believe in the existence of memory or personality, how does he tend to judge people? Is he any good at it?
  6. What does Anny mean when she says she's spent her life looking for "perfect moments"? How do these moments fit into Antoine's philosophy? Do they at all?
  7. Is Antoine socially irresponsible? Would he be better off if he stopped obsessing over himself and used his money to help others? Why or why not?
  8. Why was Antoine such a lousy boyfriend to Anny in the past? What was he not able to give her? Could he give it to her now?