Review: All The Philosophy In The Stranger by Albert Camus

Ever read a book that leaves you feeling like you just got hit by a philosophical freight train? That’s The Stranger by Albert Camus for you! This 1942 novel is one of those books that sticks with you, not because of complex plot twists or dramatic turns, but because it pulls you into the mind of one of the most perplexing characters ever written – Meursault. Camus doesn’t just tell a story; he challenges how we see life, death, and meaning itself. So, if you’re curious about diving into existentialism and absurdism, The Stranger is a fantastic starting point. But be warned – it’s not your typical beach read.

Table of Contents

Plot Summary | Spoiler Alert |

The Stranger starts off with a line that many readers remember long after finishing the book: “Mother died today. Or maybe yesterday, I don’t know.” That’s our first introduction to Meursault, a man who seems completely detached from life. The story is set in French Algeria, and it follows Meursault as he navigates through a series of events, starting with his mother’s funeral.

The novel can be broken into two main parts: before and after Meursault commits a seemingly senseless murder on a beach. In the first half, we see Meursault’s life unfold – from his indifferent relationships with his girlfriend Marie, his friends, and his neighbours, to his daily routines. He doesn’t seem to care much about anything, really. But when he impulsively kills an Arab man in the blinding Algerian sun, things take a turn.

The second half of the book delves into his trial, which is less about the crime itself and more about society trying to “make sense” of Meursault’s character. Why did he do it? Does he even care? These are the questions that the court, and by extension, the reader, grapple with.

Themes Explored Throughout The Novel

The Stranger is rich in philosophical themes that delve into human existence, society, and the very nature of life itself. Albert Camus weaves these themes into the story through his protagonist, Meursault, and the world around him. Here are some of the most prominent themes in the novel:

1. Absurdism and the Meaninglessness of Life

At the core of The Stranger is the concept of Absurdism. Camus, as a philosopher, is closely associated with this idea, which argues that life is fundamentally without purpose, and any attempt to impose meaning on it is essentially “absurd.”

Meursault, the protagonist, embodies this philosophy. He lives without any sense of purpose or meaning and appears indifferent to major events in his life, such as his mother’s death, his romantic relationship, and even his own crime. His actions reflect the belief that there is no inherent meaning in life; we simply exist, and any purpose we assign to life is a human invention.

Meursault’s lack of attachment to social norms and his refusal to pretend he feels things he doesn’t reveal the essence of absurdism. He doesn’t conform to society’s expectations, nor does he believe in a higher purpose or moral framework, which ultimately alienates him from others.

2. Isolation and Alienation

Meursault is a classic “outsider” in every sense of the word, and isolation is a key theme in the novel. He is detached from the people around him, emotionally cut off, and indifferent to relationships, social norms, and even his own future. From the beginning, we see that Meursault does not share the emotions that others expect him to have – he doesn’t cry at his mother’s funeral and seems unaffected by her passing.

Throughout the story, he remains isolated not only from society but also from his own emotions. His inability to connect deeply with others, including his girlfriend Marie, emphasises his alienation. Camus uses Meursault’s isolation as a way to showcase the internal and external conflicts that arise when someone refuses to “play along” with societal expectations.

3. Society and Its Expectations

The Stranger also examines the conflict between individual freedom and societal expectations. Society expects individuals to conform to certain norms – to mourn a loved one, to believe in God, to express regret when committing a crime. Meursault, however, challenges all these expectations with his unapologetic honesty and apathy.

During Meursault’s trial, the prosecutor and the court are more concerned with his lack of “morality” than the murder itself. Instead of focusing on the facts of the case, the prosecution fixates on his behaviour at his mother’s funeral, as though failing to grieve properly makes him inherently guilty.

Camus critiques how society enforces conformity and punishes those who do not fit into its mould. In a way, Meursault is judged not for his crime, but for his refusal to pretend or comply with social norms.

4. The Indifference of the Universe

One of the central themes in The Stranger is the idea of the universe’s indifference to human life. Camus suggests that the universe is cold, indifferent, and detached from human emotions, just as Meursault is detached from his emotions and the people around him. This idea ties back to Camus’s philosophy of absurdism – since the universe lacks inherent meaning or purpose, we are left to confront a world that does not care about our individual lives.

This theme is most evident in Meursault’s final reflections in prison, where he accepts that life has no meaning and embraces the “gentle indifference of the world.” He recognises that nothing he does or believes in will change his fate or the outcome of his life. In embracing this indifference, Meursault finds a kind of peace, finally accepting the randomness and meaninglessness of life.

5. Mortality and the Inevitability of Death

Death is a recurring theme in The Stranger, both in the literal and symbolic sense. The novel opens with the death of Meursault’s mother, and death is an ever-present force that drives much of the story. Meursault’s own impending execution serves as a constant reminder of mortality. He doesn’t try to escape his fate or find meaning in his life before death; instead, he passively accepts it.

Camus uses death to underscore the inevitability of the end and to question how we should live our lives in light of that certainty. For Meursault, the approach of death brings a kind of clarity, leading him to confront his beliefs (or lack thereof) about life’s meaning. In facing death, Meursault comes to a realisation that death is the ultimate equaliser – it doesn’t matter what you believe or what you achieve; in the end, death is the same for everyone.

6. Religion and the Question of Faith

Religion is a significant theme in The Stranger, explored mainly through Meursault’s rejection of God and the priest’s attempts to “save” him. Camus was an atheist, and in this novel, he critiques religion as another way society tries to impose meaning on a meaningless universe.

Throughout the book, Meursault is indifferent to the concept of God. Even in the face of death, he refuses to turn to religion for comfort or salvation. During his time in prison, a priest visits him and tries to convince him to believe in God, but Meursault rejects the idea, finding comfort in the simplicity of accepting his own mortality. Camus uses Meursault’s rejection of religion to challenge the idea that faith or an afterlife can bring solace or meaning in an otherwise indifferent world.

7. Nature as a Symbol of Freedom and Oppression

In The Stranger, nature plays a dual role as both a source of freedom and a force of oppression. Meursault has a strong connection with the physical world, and he often seems more attuned to nature than to people. He describes the heat, the sun, and the sea in vivid detail, and these natural elements have a powerful effect on his actions and emotions.

However, nature also becomes oppressive at times, especially the sun, which almost acts as a character in the novel. For example, during his mother’s funeral, the sun is intense, oppressive, and physically uncomfortable for him. Later, the blinding sun on the beach is a factor in his decision to pull the trigger and commit murder. Camus uses the natural environment to illustrate how external forces beyond human control can drive behaviour, further emphasising the absurd and arbitrary nature of life.

Albert Camus’s The Stranger explores a variety of complex themes, each contributing to its portrayal of a world that is indifferent to human lives, emotions, and morals. The Stranger remains a powerful exploration of existentialism and absurdism, offering a mirror into our own lives and the ways we, consciously or unconsciously, grapple with these fundamental questions.

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The Role of the Sun and Environment

Interestingly, Camus uses the environment, especially the sun, as almost a character in itself. The sun and heat play pivotal roles in the story – they bear down on Meursault at his mother’s funeral, and they’re almost oppressive during the scene where he commits murder. It’s as though Camus is saying that external factors, things beyond our control, can heavily influence our decisions.

The sun becomes symbolic of the forces that drive Meursault to act, forces he can’t understand or escape. It’s like when you’re having a terrible day, and then it rains just to make things worse. For Meursault, it’s the relentless Algerian sun that fuels his impulsive action on the beach, leading to tragic consequences.

Meursault: A Sympathetic Villain or a Cold Sociopath?

One of the reasons why The Stranger is so controversial and intriguing is because readers often can’t decide how to feel about Meursault. He’s not your typical protagonist, that’s for sure. He’s apathetic, detached, and disturbingly indifferent. Yet, there’s something oddly relatable about him. Who hasn’t felt like an outsider or questioned the societal norms they’re expected to follow?

Camus crafted Meursault in such a way that he mirrors our own inner existential dilemmas. When you peel back the layers, you start to wonder if Meursault is truly heartless or if he simply refuses to play by society’s rules. Is he a bad person, or is he just honest about his lack of feelings? Camus leaves this question up in the air, inviting readers to ponder it long after they close the book.

What Makes The Stranger a Timeless Classic

The Stranger remains a timeless classic because it speaks to universal human experiences. Everyone, at some point, has wondered about the meaning of life, questioned societal expectations, or felt disconnected from the world around them.

Camus’s novel taps into these questions, providing no clear answers but pushing readers to think more deeply. It’s a book that resonates differently at various stages of life – what might seem like pure apathy in Meursault’s character at one age could feel like profound acceptance at another.

In many ways, The Stranger is a mirror. It reflects the reader’s own existential crises, uncertainties, and fears. The beauty of this book is that it doesn’t tell you what to think; it simply invites you to experience a different perspective, one that’s cold, indifferent, and perhaps uncomfortably honest.

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Conclusion

So, is The Stranger for everyone? Probably not. If you’re looking for a book with a lovable hero, heart-warming moments, and a satisfying ending, this isn’t it. But if you’re intrigued by the idea of questioning everything you thought you knew about meaning, morality, and existence, then Camus’s novel is a must-read.

The Stranger challenges us to confront the absurdity of life head-on, without any comforting illusions. It’s a novel that leaves a lasting impression – one that might even alter how you view your own life and choices.

Whether you end up hating or loving Meursault, one thing’s for sure: The Stranger will make you think. And isn’t that what great literature is supposed to do?

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