In Saul Bellow's "The Adventures of Augie March," the protagonist expresses deep emotional turmoil and existential reflection. He describes a sense of overwhelming sadness and discomfort, characterizing his feelings as vast and difficult to manage. This inner struggle reflects a broader contemplation about his identity and purpose in the world, likening his heart to an orb that is too large for his chest, symbolizing the intenseness of his emotions.

Augie's state is not driven by revulsion but rather a pervasive misery that colors his view of life. This insight highlights the complexity of human emotions, particularly the burdens of consciousness and self-awareness that come with being a "thinking animal." His expressions of sorrow reveal a profound connection with the human experience, marked by a poignant sense of loneliness despite an absence of hatred.