The stranger

Definition

The stranger refers to an individual who feels disconnected from society, often embodying themes of existentialism and absurdity. This term captures the essence of characters who confront an indifferent universe and grapple with feelings of alienation, especially in the aftermath of traumatic events. The stranger also highlights the absurdity of existence, a central concern in modern literature, as these characters navigate their place within a chaotic world marked by disillusionment.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Albert Camus' novel 'The Stranger', the protagonist Meursault exemplifies the concept of the stranger through his emotional detachment and response to life's absurdities.
2. 'The Stranger' reflects postwar trauma and disillusionment by illustrating how individuals may feel lost and disconnected after significant societal upheaval.
3. Meursault's trial is a pivotal moment that showcases societal expectations and moral judgments, highlighting the absurdity of seeking meaning in a fundamentally indifferent universe.
4. The themes of existentialism and absurdism are intertwined in 'The Stranger', as Meursault navigates his experiences without adherence to conventional morality or societal norms.
5. Camus uses the character of Meursault to challenge readers to confront their own perceptions of existence, prompting reflections on life’s inherent lack of meaning.

Review Questions

• How does Meursault's character in 'The Stranger' illustrate the concept of alienation?
  • Meursault's character exemplifies alienation through his emotional detachment from society and its norms. He experiences life in a sensory manner but remains indifferent to societal expectations, such as mourning at his mother's funeral. This disconnect highlights his status as a stranger in a world that demands conformity, illustrating how his personal reality contrasts sharply with collective human experiences.
• Discuss how 'The Stranger' reflects postwar disillusionment through its portrayal of Meursault's actions and choices.
  • In 'The Stranger', postwar disillusionment is reflected in Meursault's apathetic responses to key events in his life, such as his mother's death and his own trial. His lack of emotional engagement underscores a broader sense of disconnection prevalent in society after the war. By presenting a protagonist who seems unfazed by tragedy or societal judgment, Camus critiques the search for meaning in a world that often feels chaotic and nonsensical.
• Analyze how Camus employs the theme of absurdity in 'The Stranger' to challenge traditional notions of morality.
  • Camus uses the theme of absurdity in 'The Stranger' to challenge conventional morality by portraying Meursault's actions as devoid of traditional ethical considerations. His murder of the Arab appears senseless and is met with judgment not for the act itself but for his emotional response—or lack thereof—thereby critiquing societal expectations. This approach forces readers to reconsider what constitutes moral behavior in an indifferent universe where human actions may ultimately be meaningless.

Related terms

Absurdism: A philosophical perspective that emphasizes the conflict between human beings' desire for meaning and the indifferent universe that offers none.

Existentialism: A philosophical movement focused on individual freedom, choice, and the inherent meaninglessness of life, leading to personal responsibility.

Alienation: The feeling of being isolated or estranged from a group or society, often resulting from societal changes or personal crises.