Albert Camus - The Stranger

Definition

The Stranger is a novel by French-Algerian philosopher and writer Albert Camus, published in 1942. It tells the story of Meursault, a detached and indifferent protagonist who confronts the absurdity of life and the inevitability of death. The novel is a key work in existential literature and reflects themes of alienation, the search for meaning, and the conflict between societal norms and individual freedom.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Meursault's emotional detachment is evident from the beginning of the novel, as he reacts with indifference to significant events like his mother's death.
2. The trial of Meursault serves as a critique of societal expectations, as he is judged more for his lack of emotion than for the crime he commits.
3. The concept of the 'absurd' is explored through Meursault's confrontation with death and his ultimate acceptance of life's meaningless nature.
4. Camus uses a straightforward narrative style in The Stranger, which mirrors Meursault's blunt and unembellished view of reality.
5. The novel's conclusion highlights Meursault's realization that embracing the absurdity of life can lead to personal freedom and authenticity.

Review Questions

• How does Meursault's emotional detachment shape his interactions with other characters in The Stranger?
  • Meursault's emotional detachment profoundly influences his relationships throughout The Stranger. He appears indifferent to societal norms and expectations, which leads to misunderstandings with characters like Marie and Raymond. His lack of traditional emotional responses creates an atmosphere of alienation, as others struggle to connect with him. This detachment culminates in his trial, where society condemns him not just for his actions but for failing to conform to emotional expectations.
• Discuss how Camus uses the trial of Meursault to explore themes of morality and justice within The Stranger.
  • In The Stranger, Camus uses Meursault's trial to examine how societal values dictate notions of morality and justice. Rather than focusing solely on the murder he committed, the court scrutinizes Meursault’s character and emotional responses. This shift highlights the absurdity of judging a person based on societal expectations rather than their actual deeds. The trial exposes the flaws in conventional morality by demonstrating how personal beliefs can clash with societal norms, leaving Meursault as an outsider in a world that demands conformity.
• Evaluate how Camus’ philosophy of absurdism is represented through the narrative and themes in The Stranger.
  • Camus’ philosophy of absurdism is intricately woven into both the narrative structure and thematic content of The Stranger. Through Meursault's experiences, Camus illustrates the tension between humanity's quest for meaning and the indifferent universe that offers none. The protagonist's existential journey reveals that traditional values are often meaningless when faced with life's inherent absurdity. Ultimately, Meursault’s acceptance of this absurd condition allows him to achieve a sense of freedom and authenticity, embodying Camus' belief that individuals must confront and embrace the absurd rather than seek false hopes.

Related terms

Existentialism: A philosophical movement that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice, focusing on the absurdity of life and the responsibility of individuals to create their own meaning.

Absurdism: A philosophical perspective closely associated with Camus that suggests human beings exist in a purposeless universe, leading to the conflict between the human desire for meaning and the indifferent world.

Alienation: The feeling of being isolated or estranged from one's environment or society, which is a central theme in The Stranger as Meursault experiences profound disconnection from those around him.