Meaning Of Life In Jake Murdoch's Under The Net

What is the meaning of life? The answer to this universal question varies and is heavily debated. For some, merely living and breathing in the world defines the meaning of life. On the other hand, life can contain no meaning at all in that it exists, but our role in the world has little to no meaning. In the traditional human perspective, our central focus and goal is to strive for happiness and to fulfill our function well. [Lecture] In the novel Under the Net, Murdoch emphasizes the theme of existence in truth and language in relation to others and one’s self.

In the words of Jean-Paul Sartre, existentialism is defined as the thesis that existence precedes essence. [Lecture] It focuses on the issue of existence. As humans, we desire happiness

The protagonist, Jake, lacks purpose in his life. In different instances throughout the novel, Jake seems to lean towards a simpler path, lacks a sense of direction, and settles for convenience rather than facing reality. For example, he “translates Breteuil because it’s easy and because it sells like hot cakes in any language.” (pg. 20) Jake can accomplish so much more than he’s truly doing, such as pursuing a career as a writer instead of translating another writer’s books from French to English. He even admits to being “…talented, but lazy.” (pg. 21) As a result, there is an absence of significance in Jake’s life which explains why he constantly seeks for truth and begins to question what matters most to him in regards to fame, fortune, and love. Additionally, Jake lacks originality in that the only book he has written, The Silencer, is based off of a philosophical conversation with Hugo, an old friend and roommate. Although he feels guilty for taking Hugo’s ideas and compiling a book from them, Jake proves to the readers that he lives life as though it is a stage to solely pass through by being inconsiderate in regards to weighing money above his