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‘The Stranger,’ Albert Camus’s pioneering book, is still regarded as a classic of existentialist literature. Meursault, a personification of apathy and disinterest, challenges established values and customs in this intriguing story. This article examines Camus’s masterwork in depth, peeling back its layers to reveal its deep existentialism and philosophy of the ridiculous themes.
An interesting examination of existentialist ideas is provided by the novel’s protagonist, Meursault. He never reacts, either positively or negatively, to the triumphs and tragedies that occur during the story. Meursault’s lack of emotion in the face of tragedy, from his mother’s death to his own approaching execution, is illustrative of Camus’s idea that existence has no value.
The book is divided into two halves, one set before Meursault commits his senseless murder and the other set after. Meursault doesn’t understand, yet this foolish deed is a powerful representation of the bizarre. The absurdist idea of generating meaning and explanation when there may be none is shown via his subsequent incarceration, trial, and death sentence.
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Meursault’s unambiguous embrace of existentialist thought is made clear in the final confrontation with the priest. His rejection of God and an afterlife emphasizes that human beings are temporary creatures with no ultimate goal in life. This is the pinnacle of disobedience against the moral and religious norms enforced by society.
Meursault’s voyage into the folly of life is not one to hopelessness, but rather to freedom. Because he is not constrained by the false notions of significance that dominate our culture, his apathy might be seen as a declaration of independence.
For Meursault, life is inherently meaningless and devoid of any higher purpose. He embodies Camus’s philosophy of the Absurd, which refers to the human tendency to seek meaning and purpose in a world that offers none. He doesn’t adhere to societal norms, religious beliefs, or even moral codes, all of which he views as meaningless constructs that only serve to distract us from the ultimate absurdity of existence.
The senseless murder Meursault commits appears almost like an act of defiance, a resistance against the imposition of false meaning and order onto a fundamentally chaotic world. His indifference towards the consequences underscores his commitment to living authentically in accordance with his beliefs, irrespective of societal expectations.
His final confrontation with the priest further solidifies his existentialist stance. Meursault rejects the comforting illusions of religion, choosing instead to face the stark reality of his impending death with brutal honesty. His unwavering acceptance of the Absurd, even at the cost of his life, can be seen as the ultimate form of rebellion.
However, the end of Meursault’s journey is not despair but liberation. By accepting life’s inherent meaninglessness, he frees himself from the chains of societal expectations and traditional values. His indifference, while appearing as apathy, is an act of defiance, a commitment to live authentically in a world where he recognizes no ultimate purpose or value. This, for Meursault, is the true essence of freedom.
Conclusion:
The traditional conception of life, morality, and existence is boldly challenged in Albert Camus’s “The Stranger.” Through his apathy and resignation to life’s intrinsic absurdity, Meursault reveals the bleak truth of human existence. Camus challenges his audience to rethink preconceived notions of how life should be lived by examining existentialism and the ridiculous.
References:
- Written by Albert Camus, “The Stranger”
- Author Abraham Sagi discusses “Albert Camus and the Philosophy of the Absurd”
- Albert Camus’s “The Myth of Sisyphus”
- A book by John Foley titled “Albert Camus: From the Absurd to Revolt”
