What is the point of “The Stranger” by Albert Camus?

The French-Algerian novelist Albert Camus’ book “The Stranger” (French: “L’Étranger”) was first released in 1942. It is a classic work of existentialist literature that addresses themes of human condition, alienation, and absurdity. The book is split into two sections, with the protagonist, Meursault, an emotionally aloof Frenchman who is Algerian-French, telling the story.

Part 1: The Absurdity of Life

The well-known opening sentence of the book is “Mother died today.” This statement establishes the tone for the entire narrative since it shows how emotionally detached Meursault is right away. The events that transpire after are set in motion by Meursault’s mother’s death, when he visits the assisted living facility where she resided and then attends her funeral. Others find Meursault’s behaviour strange and inappropriate at the burial because he doesn’t show the typical sadness and emotion. One of Meursault’s main character traits is his disregard for emotional and societal standards, which adds to his reputation as a “stranger” or “outsider.”

Meursault’s general demeanour is one of indifference and detachment. He leads a humdrum and uninteresting life as a clerk in Algiers. He has a somewhat strained relationship with his neighbour Raymond, who is embroiled in a dispute with an Arab man, and participates in casual romances, one of which is with Marie. Meursault’s lack of emotional attachment to the world around him is evident in his encounters with these folks.

The story examines the idea of absurdity, which is a major existentialist philosophical issue. Meursault’s disconnection from his environment and his inability to discover meaning or purpose in life are reminiscent of the existentialist theory that holds that people must make their own meaning because life is meaningless by nature. The absurdity of existence is further reinforced by Meursault’s experiences, particularly the violent conflict he gets into at the beach. An important turning point in the story is when he shoots an Arab man, seemingly without any thought or purpose.

“It was like knocking four quick times on the door of unhappiness.”

Part 2: The Trial and Condemnation

The arrest, prosecution, and eventual condemnation of Meursault are the main topics of the novel’s second half. His trial turns into a critique of both his personality and social norms in addition to the murder. As Meursault works his way through the court system and bears the consequences of his conduct, his lack of concern for his own fate becomes more and more evident.

Meursault’s actions and lack of feeling are used as evidence against him by both the prosecution and the defence during the trial. The execution of Meursault for the crime as well as his alleged emotional and moral failings serves as the novel’s finale. The court and society view his disbelief in God and his inability to follow emotional norms as crimes deserving of the harshest penalty possible.

The execution of Meursault, which occurs in the blazing sun, is a fitting conclusion to the book and represents the universe’s ruthlessness and apathy. The sun appears frequently in the book and is meant to symbolise the harsh, emotionless truth of life. Meursault accepts his own death with a sense of resignation during his last minutes on execution row, providing a striking example of the absurdity of existence.

“I felt that I had been happy and that I was happy again. For everything to be consummated, for me to feel less alone, I had only to wish that there be a large crowd of spectators the day of my execution and that they greet me with cries of hate.”

Themes and Interpretations

“The Stranger” explores several key themes that continue to resonate with readers:

1. Absurdity:

The novel is a quintessential exploration of the absurdity of life. Meursault’s disinterest and apathy are a reflection of the existentialist belief that people must face the meaninglessness of life as it is. Meursault’s deeds, like the murder that appeared to be committed at random, show how ridiculous and illogical human existence is.

2. Alienation:

Meursault’s unwillingness to follow social conventions, such as the anticipated expressions of sorrow and emotion, is a clear sign of his social estrangement. He does not fit in with the moral or emotional norms of others around him; he is an outsider.

3. Indifference:

Meursault’s persona is mostly defined by his emotional distance and apathy. His refusal to live up to the social norms and emotional standards of others causes him to become isolated and, ultimately, to be condemned.

4. Existentialism:

The book is frequently linked to existentialist thought, which places a strong emphasis on personal accountability, freedom, and the necessity of finding one’s own purpose in an apparently meaningless universe. The quest of Meursault represents the existentialist’s search for meaning and purpose in an absurd world.

5. Conformity and Society:

The trial and conviction of Meursault serve as a stark reminder of the ways in which society penalises deviation from the norm and imposes conformity. The court views his rejection of God and his emotional detachment as moral transgressions, which will ultimately result in his punishment.

6. Nature and the Sun:

The book frequently references the outdoors, especially the sweltering sun. They stand for the universe’s unrelenting and apathetic character. The harshness of the natural world reinforces Meursault’s realisation that the universe doesn’t care about him.

Conclusion

Albert Camus’s book “The Stranger” never fails to spark debate and contemplation. Readers who struggle with issues of meaning and purpose in life might relate to Meursault’s character and his journey through a world that he deems silly and uncaring. The novel is a famous piece of literature that tackles important existential and philosophical issues through its examination of existentialism, absurdity, and societal conformity.

Against all expectation, he doesn’t defend himself. We are left to wonder why. We have to assume that Meursault effectively asked the questions of himself, “What is the point? Why should I bother?” And we have to assume that he answered the questions, “There is no point”.

The way that Meursault is portrayed by Albert Camus as a “outsider” who rejects social conventions forces readers to think about what happens when someone refuses authority in a society that rewards conformity. The ageless and provocative examination of the human condition that is “The Stranger” continues to be.

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