The Stranger

Definition

The Stranger is a novel by Albert Camus that embodies existentialist themes, primarily focusing on the absurdity of life and the alienation of individuals in an indifferent universe. The protagonist, Meursault, experiences emotional detachment from society and confronts the existential crisis that arises from the meaninglessness of existence, which reflects key ideas within existentialism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Meursault's indifference to social norms and emotional responses is central to the narrative, showcasing his alienation from societal expectations.
2. The trial of Meursault highlights the absurdity of the legal system and societal judgments based on conformity rather than truth.
3. Camus uses the motif of the sun to symbolize the oppressive nature of existence and how it affects Meursault's actions and decisions.
4. The novel ends with Meursault's acceptance of life's absurdity, embracing his existence without seeking inherent meaning or justification.
5. The Stranger has become a foundational text in existential philosophy, influencing literature, psychology, and various cultural discussions about identity and purpose.

Review Questions

• How does Meursault's character reflect the principles of existentialism as portrayed in The Stranger?
  • Meursault embodies existentialist principles through his emotional detachment and indifference to societal norms. His refusal to conform to expectations demonstrates a rejection of traditional values and an acceptance of life's absurdity. This highlights the existential belief that individuals must navigate their own paths in an indifferent universe, creating personal meaning despite external pressures.
• Analyze how the theme of alienation in The Stranger contributes to Camus's exploration of absurdism.
  • In The Stranger, alienation serves as a critical lens through which Camus explores absurdism. Meursault's disconnection from societal norms and emotional responses illustrates how individuals can feel estranged in a world that lacks inherent meaning. This theme emphasizes that while people seek connection and understanding, they often encounter an indifferent universe, reinforcing the absurdist notion that life is devoid of rational explanations or universal truths.
• Evaluate the significance of the trial in The Stranger as a commentary on societal values and existential beliefs.
  • The trial in The Stranger is significant because it acts as a mirror reflecting societal values while simultaneously critiquing them. It reveals how society often prioritizes conformity over individual truth, with Meursault being judged not for his crime but for his failure to adhere to emotional norms. This absurdity underscores existential beliefs by demonstrating how individuals are often subjected to arbitrary moral standards in an indifferent universe, highlighting the conflict between personal authenticity and societal expectations.

Related terms

Absurdism: A philosophical perspective that emphasizes the inherent conflict between humans' search for meaning and the silent, indifferent universe.

Existentialism: A philosophical movement that explores individual freedom, choice, and the inherent meaninglessness of life, focusing on how people create their own essence through actions.

Alienation: A feeling of disconnection from society or one's self, often experienced by individuals who struggle to find meaning or belonging in their lives.