The Immoralist

“Knowing how to free oneself is nothing; the difficult thing is knowing how to live with that freedom.”

Michel introduces his narrative by opening with a suspenseful hint at the central conflict of the story. This quote foreshadows the challenges Michel faces in trying to live an authentic life, since his pursuit of freedom from societal constraints leads to harmful consequences: the death of his wife and the loss of his sense of purpose.

“I was very tired, I simply gave up, ‘After all, what is there to live for? I have worked hard to the end, done my duty with passion and dedication. Apart from that…oh, what else is there?’ I thought, admiring my own stoicism.”

Michel’s reaction to contracting tuberculosis reveals his conformity to society’s expectations before he experiences a philosophical transformation. At the beginning of the novel, he believes in society’s definition of success and sees little point to his life aside from work. His fatalistic attitude after falling ill reflects his unhappiness and dissatisfaction with his current life.

“The boy is disconcerted by his frosty welcome and turns to Marceline; like a graceful animal he nudges her cajolingly, takes her hand and embraces her, revealing his bare arms in the process. I notice he is completely naked between his thin white gandourah and patchwork burnous.”

Gide uses a simile to compare Bachir to an animal, depicting the boy as a fond pet. He also shows how Michel objectifies the boy, fixating on his appearance and his body, which Michel finds attractive. Bachir’s objectification reveals both that Michel exoticizes him due to his Arab ethnicity, and that Michel is attracted to the boy’s body due to his youth and health.