Jean-Paul Sartre, a renowned philosopher and writer, is best recognized for his contributions to existentialism and his critique of traditional literature. His early works offer intriguing insights into his developing theories, often challenging the prevailing norms and societal structures. Sartre's short stories, such as "The Wall," and his novel Nausea, along with his philosophical essays and plays, reflect his exploration of themes like authenticity, the nature of existence, and human freedom.

Sartre's View on Literature

Sartre was critical of existing literature, particularly from the nineteenth century, viewing it as perpetuating capitalist ideologies and maintaining the status quo. He viewed much of this literature as "inauthentic," as it often portrayed life through assumptions he deemed false. In his perspective, narrative omniscience, which presumes to understand characters and their motivations fully, was unrealistic. Sartre proposed a new kind of narrative that more closely mirrors real life, urging for a portrayal of characters "in situation." This approach is particularly evident in his short story "The Wall," where he uses a first-person narrative to limit the exposition to the narrator's own immediate sensations and reactions.

"The Wall"

"The Wall" is set against the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War, exploring existential themes through Pablo Ibbieta, a Republican prisoner sentenced to death. The narrative, told from Pablo's perspective, illustrates his reactions to the impending execution, focusing on his sensory experiences rather than offering a complete psychological profile. In a grim twist of fate, Pablo plays a joke on his captors by misleading them about his comrade Ramon Gris' whereabouts, only to find they inadvertently kill Gris where he truly was hiding. This unexpected turn highlights Sartre's belief in life's unpredictability and the inherent absurdity of existence.

"Erostratus" and "Childhood of a Boss"

Other stories in Sartre's collection, like "Erostratus" and "Childhood of a Boss," provide further insight into his critique of human nature and societal structures. "Erostratus" features Paul Hilbert, a would-be mass murderer inspired by the historical figure Erostratus, who seeks fame through destruction. Hilbert's thwarted plans reflect the emptiness of his quest for recognition and critique the human tendency toward violence as a means of self-validation.

"Childhood of a Boss" examines the upbringing of Lucien Fleurier, tracing his evolution into a capitalist with fascist leanings. Through Lucien's story, Sartre critiques the superficiality and moral weakness of bourgeois society, exploring themes of identity and authenticity. Lucien's journey reflects a life of bad faith, constantly seeking validation through the eyes of others, ultimately finding solace in fascist ideology.

Sartre's Philosophical Evolution

Sartre's thought evolved significantly over time, with his early works laying the groundwork for later philosophical exploration, as seen in Being and Nothingness. His philosophical ideas often intersected with his literary output, providing a narrative dimension to existential concepts such as freedom, choice, and bad faith. Sartre's focus on authenticity and the rejection of pre-determined essence in favor of self-creation and choice is a recurring theme in his body of work. This is particularly evident in how he portrays characters constrained by societal labels and expectations, as illustrated in "No Exit" and his other plays.

"Nausea"

Nausea further delves into existential themes through Antoine Roquentin, a historian grappling with the absurdity of existence. Roquentin's experiences in Bouville reveal his growing discomfort with the seeming pointlessness of life and the oppressive weight of existence. The novel is a profound exploration of alienation, with Roquentin confronting the futility of his pursuits and the oppressive nature of societal norms. His reflections on art and immortality underscore Sartre's belief in the potential of creative expression to transcend the mundanity of everyday life, despite his protagonist's eventual...