How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
"Nothing matters. I have known that for a long time. So nothing is worth doing. I just realized that." (1.1)
If "nothing matters" is as close as we get to a absolute truth in existentialist philosophy, Pierre Anthon is speaking only for himself, based on his own life experience, in saying that nothing is worth doing.
Quote #2
Pierre Anthon left the door ajar like a grinning abyss that would swallow me up into the outside with him if only I let myself go. (2.12)
Is Agnes's allegiance to her classmates' demands based solely in fear of admitting Pierre Anthon is right? And even if she does admit she thinks he's spot on, what exactly is she so afraid is going to happen?
Quote #3
"If something's worth getting upset about, then there must be something worth getting happy about. And if something's worth getting happy about, then there must be something that matters. But there isn't!" (2.31)
Uh, is anyone else totally confused? Pierre seems to be arguing that meaning only comes from emotions. But Existentialists would disagree that only objects, events, or situations that make you feel a certain emotion can hold meaning.