The Great Gatsby
Topic: Mersault's Existentialist Nature Related to That of an AnimalThroughout the development of Mersault's character it becomes apparent that he relies upon animal instinct versus the more normal aspects of human nature. This animalistic approach to his environment helps to accentuate his existentialist view of the world. Animals only rely on their instincts, just as Meursault does. He has a difficult time feeling emotions such as regret and empathy. His animal instincts are clear on page one. Meursault is uncommitted and indifferent when he hears of his mother's death. Likewise, when it is old enough, an animal leaves its family and never comes back.Because an animal lives only in the present, it cannot feel regret. In the same way, Meursault has a hard time feeling any remorse for his past actions. Because of this, the jury
Although he feels the drive to mate, he has no yearning for monogamy. One page 59, Meursault commits the crime of murder. Like Meursault, an animal cannot lie. If animal's life is threatened, it will instinctively destroy the danger. Equally, the focus of an animal is on the current physical need, not the emotional one. For Meursault, marriage holds little importance. Animals are part of nature and Mersault's animalistic character commits the murder. His beastly quality forces him to yell at the chaplain and lay hands on him. Like Meursault, an animal would have attacked the diversion. Meursault never lies to another person or to himself because he is incapable. Meursault recognizes this, thus killing the beholder of the weapon. misconstrues his personality to be murderous at Meursault's trial. Similarly, marriage is nonexistent in the animal kingdom. If someone kills another person, it was a thought out plan, even if just for a few seconds, but it was instinct for Meursault. In prison, Meursault is bombarded with people telling him to believe in God.
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