How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #10
Inside, he was forced to admit that idleness made his sufferings even worse, leaving him every moment of his life to think about his despair and experience its incurable bitterness. Laziness, the animal experience he had dreamed of, was his punishment. (30.15)
When Laurent realizes that it is impossible to rekindle any of his former sexual feelings for Thérèse, he falls back into his old laziness. Only he's unable to enjoy the self-indulgent life he so coveted before. He now regards this "animal experience" as a punishment for his crime, which again raises the question of whether or not Laurent feels guilty for murdering Camille. What's your final answer, Shmoopers?