The Great Gatsby

A detailed Summary of The Great Gatsby


Topic: Mersault's Existentialist Nature Related to That of an Animal

Throughout 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 misconstrues


Meursault is a man whose characteristics are of a beast-like nature. He is an animal in the sense that he shows no emotion and relies solely on his physical drives. His personality and behavior can be easily linked to that of an animals'. Included in his existentialist opinion is his animalistic quality.

One page 59, Meursault commits the crime of murder. Human instinct prevents people from killing impulsively. If someone kills another person, it was a thought out plan, even if just for a few seconds, but it was instinct for Meursault. If animal's life is threatened, it will instinctively destroy the danger. The sun and light at the beach are symbolic of nature. Nature is erratic and can be disastrous. Animals are part of nature and Mersault's animalistic character commits the murder. The knife also plays a part in Meursault's beastly act because knives can be used to hunt animal

Some common words found in the essay are:
Beast Throughout, meursault animal,

Approximate Word count = 605
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Novels

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