Albert Camus’ "The Stranger"

Albert Camus, often defined as an absurdist author, is characterized by his blunt analysis and emotional distance from the world. This role is only strengthened through one of his most famous works, The Stranger. 

Throughout the novel, he unravels the emotional tension between human desire for meaning, and the supposed meaningless of life. This theme of absurdity is what guides Mersault, the protagonist toward his actions. 

At the start of the novel, Meursault finds himself with the loss of his mother. The funeral is strangely peaceful and reflective. His mother’s own friends experience the loss on a deep level, and Mersault perceives the nostalgic environment, although remaining unaffected. 

Appearing detached from the death of his mother and any emotional burden Meursault smokes, drinks coffee, and converses normally. Although surprising to those around him, this sets the theme of Mersault’s nature. This response is not a sign of his cruelty but is rather an embodiment of the absurdist philosophy Meursault identifies himself. 

At the funeral procession, he is indifferent towards the melancholy nature of the event, rather placing most of his attention on the physical aspects of the village surroundings. He notes the heat of the sun, the golden hues of the village, and the wrinkled face of Thomas Pérez, his mother’s companion. Mersault places himself in the present moment, with no ideas of the past or future weighing him. Understanding his focus on the present physical is key to understanding Meursault's character and approach to the events around him. 

The Trial 

The Stranger itself centers around a trial. Meursault, in an attempt to feel misery, shoots “The Arab Man” 4 times. Once again, at this moment he focuses his attention on the physical. The sun’s reflection on the knife captures him, reminding him of his mother’s funeral and the absurdity of life; pushing him to kill the Arab Man. This is Mersualt’s attempt at being accepted and conforming to society’s expectation of sympathy and sadness. 

The trial taking place embodies the hypocritical nature of society, as Mersault finds himself surrounded by society's expectations. Critiquing the superficial nature of those around them, he comments on the absurdity of social judgment. The jury is more concerned with Mersault’s outward appearance (his insensitivity to death), rather than the actual event of death. The more he attempts to explain himself, the more isolated his character becomes. 

However, Mersault pays little attention to the shock of others. As he continues presenting himself as detached and unaffected by grief, the trial becomes a question of Mersault’s morality rather than his actions. He is then accused not because of his actions, but because of his own indifference towards said actions.  

The culmination of this is his indifference towards his own death. This in itself is an act of rebellion against the society he surrounds himself with as he says “I opened myself to the gentle indifference of the world.” Through this Camus presents absurdism not as a philosophy of despair but one of liberation, and even optimism. 

Camus as an Author

Although having a reputation of an emotionless worldview, Camus is a purposely provocative author. By creating themes of meaninglessness in his novels, readers are forced to analyze the tensions within them regarding meaning and understanding. I especially call to your attention a quote of Camus “In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer.”

Conclusion of The Stranger

Rooted in his acceptance of the absurd, lies Camus’ assurance. With a sense of freedom to be, think, and feel what he wants he encourages his readers to do the same. Using death and the trial, he creates a dramatic commentary upon life, urging his readers to act authentically and experience the enigma that is their lives.