Thus Spoke Zarathustra: A Book for All and None

The voice and actions of Zarathustra drive the plot of the novel. As the central figure, he also serves perhaps as a mouthpiece for Nietzsche. While Zarathustra may not be the literary equivalent of Nietzsche, his character promotes philosophical arguments found in other texts by Nietzsche. Most notably, Nietzsche’s famous phrase “God is dead.” Nietzsche juxtaposes Jesus and Zarathustra, situating Zarathustra as a critic of Christianity. Unlike Jesus, Zarathustra feels no pity towards mankind and blesses “the cup that wants to flow over” (3). Zarathustra’s philosophy is based on a love of mankind instead of a preoccupation with the afterlife. Nietzsche’s philosophy is characterized by body centricity and a rethinking of traditional values. Zarathustra echoes these beliefs when he chooses not to act as a shepherd or as a gravedigger. Instead, he wants to extract individuals from the herd and teach humankind how to overcome man in this world.

Zarathustra uses parables to teach the overman to his followers. In these parables, he questions traditional ways of thinking and value systems. Zarathustra strives to liberate man from the judgment and contempt that has become prevalent in society. He urges his listeners to challenge the “Thou Shalts,” or the predetermined values of the state.