It is a paragraph that shocks and sets the tone for the rest of the story: “Mother died today. He meets a woman named Marie while swimming the day following Maman’s funeral. As is evident through the root of the word, exist, there is a stress on definite individual existence and freedom of choice. Meursault, the protagonist in “The Stranger… This just shows how Meursault is displaying his free will; he does not let the influence of his mother dying effect what he wants to do. Maybe it was yesterday.” He is more concerned with the time of the death rather than the fact that he has just lost a loved one. Was 10th grade required reading for me. The meaninglessness implies absence of any obvious meaning to our life. Get tips and ideas in OUTLINE. Blog. Human lives are not invested with purpose. Before, when his mother died or when he killed the Arab, he did not have any feelings. As a result of the diversity of positions associated with this term it is […]. This is a very unpredictable event because Meursault is just so happy and content with the sun shining on him, then all of a sudden something unexpected happens and his happiness is gone. Existentialism In The Stranger, By Albert Camus 1197 Words5 Pages Existentialism is just one of the many philosophies that attempt to determine the meaning of life. He seems more concerned about the time of death, and not the fact that he just lost a loved one. To sum up, Albert Camus’ first novel The Stranger is devoted to the themes of social alienation, racism and sexism. He cannot perceive any right or wrong in killing the Arab. He demonstrates this belief once again as his boss offers him a chance to move to Paris where he would attain a change in life. Meursault looking at himself shows his transition from pre-reflective to reflective. 40 [ 5 ] Jean-Paul Sartre.Gallic Existentialism.Rodopi. Camus utilized The Stranger as a platform to explore absurdity, a concept central to his writings and at the core of his treatment of questions about the meaning of life. Funeral tomorrow. The Stranger was an unusually good book, which made me think. Key works: The Myth of Sisyphus (1942), The Stranger (1942), The Plague (1947), The Rebel (1951) Special offer for LiteratureEssaySamples.com readers. I do feel, however, that the second part dragged on and got a bit dull. The use of existentialism within his work assists in the development of his characters; it determines how they will act and respond to their surroundings. At the end of the novel Meursault is able to understand the meaning of life. The understanding of this allowed Meursault to be at peace with himself. In addition, Meursault is more concerned about his surroundings at the home and in the mortuary, rather than the fact that his mother lies dead in a casket, several feet from him. This is a question that naturally protrudes throughout the novel, as it is not abundantly clear […], Existentialism is a philosophy that emphasizes the uniqueness and isolation of the individual experience in a hostile or indifferent universe, regards human existence as unexplainable, and stresses freedom of choice […], Existentialism is often defined as a philosophical movement or tendency, emphasizing individual existence, freedom and choice. Another meaning of the title is that he is also a stranger to himself. Camus focuses on the topic of existentialism, which is the philosophical theory that focuses on the fact that everyone is responsible for developing their own actions, in his novel The Stranger. Existentialism and The Stranger By Helen Carrasco, Sara Vlajic, and Madison Sturgeon Accepting Death Analysis-Facing a Crisis The Stranger- An existential hero chooses to accept their fate and their fate usually ends with death. Meursault displays this theme at the very end of part one of the novel. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. Existentialists attempt to direct our attention to ourselves as individuals. Nonetheless, this character had the most interesting conflicts that kept me reading. Certain aspects of existentialism are witnessed in The Stranger. The second and the third theme’s Meursault displays together. LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Stranger, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work. In existentialism, you believe that there are some things that cannot be rationally explained and just happen out of your control. Once in a while he shows a bit of heart, but for the most part, he gives a robotic appearance. Life is a series of choices. He is emotionally indifferent to others and, as the prosecutor of his case words it, "a coolly calculating monster." Through this thinking Meursault displays Existence and Passion. Get Help With Your Essay Society had declared Meursault absurd because of his unrelenting uniqueness and through this, the title of the book may be derived. Existentialism In Albert Camus's The Stranger 830 Words | 4 Pages. It also conveys the existentialist idea that reason is powerless to the idea with the depths of human life. We're here to answer any questions you have about our services. Camus conveys this by making Meursault feel out of place at his own trail and rushing it along as if it is a minor insignificance. The decisions you make are whom you are, so decide accordingly. 154 [ 4 ] Camus. These themes are existence which is the awareness of our choices, and passion which are psychological feelings that we understand before thinking kicks in. Existentialism In The Stranger, By Albert Camus 843 Words4 Pages The novel, The Stranger, by Albert Camus, illustrates the main character, Meursault with traits of an existential individual. The novel is divided into two parts. Nothing discussed in the trial had anything to do with the murder. The Stranger, by Albert Camus is fiction novel that encompasses his absurdity and notion. Meursault leads a pre-reflective life. In the second half, it is mainly of his self-realization about society and life, which I feel, could have been approached another way by the author, like being shortened. Start studying existentialism and the stranger. His insensitivity is introduced through the emotions, or lack thereof, that he displays upon news of the death of Maman. Another notable occasion in which he offers an outlook on existentialism is during his stay in prison. Throughout Camus’s The Stranger there are references to an event that occurs at the outset of the novel and exhibits ideals inherent to existentialism: the death of Meursault’s mother. 1946) 21 [ 2 ] Camus. The chaplain had his empty prayers but Meursault was sure of himself; his life and his death. The existentialism within his works shapes his characters, by determining how they will act and respond to what is going on around them. There is no inherent meaning in life – its entire value lies in living itself. “I knew that I had shattered the harmony of the day, the exceptional silence of a beach where I’d been happy.” The fifth theme is individuality. Meursault was an interesting character to read about. What seems to be the only thing motivating Meursault in his daily life? This part of the novel shows how Mersault is not only a stranger to his experiences in life, but also to nature. Finding Joy in Albert Camus’ The Stranger: A Different Perspective Existentialism is often defined as a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual existence, freedom and choice. When I started reading the book for the first time I jumped in right away and didn’t want to close it because I never read anything like it. The second half of the book begins after Meursault is put in jail and is awaiting his trial. Existentialism is liberating for those of us who do not rely on fate, God, or chance to guide us through the path of life. Meursault’s execution symbolically brings forth emotion, as Meursault confronts his nothingness and the impossibility of justifying the immoral choices he has made, he realizes the pure contingency of his life, and that he has voided, in essence, his own existence by failing to accept the risk and responsibility that the personal freedom of an existentialist reality entails. hide. Looking for a flexible role? When he must die, he wants a crowd to greet him “with cries of hate”; they are screaming because they want life and the world to have meaning; they need this because that is what their entire existence is built upon. They force us to think about our relation to such topics as the existence and nature of God, what it is to be Christian, the nature of … Likewise, he cannot deal with the intense heat, the light reflected off the Arab’s knife which seems to stab at him. Albert Camus - The Stranger. These opening lines of the novel serve not only to introduce the novel but to summarize it as well. As a result of the diversity of positions associated with this term it is impossible to define precisely. For the first time, the sun and his sensual pleasures begin to act against him, and cause him to lose control. His ideas and beliefs seem wrong but are very right. A majority of the book made me feel like the rest of society, which was not accepting Meursault’s behavior. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys thinking after reading a book or even coming to his or her own realization like Meursault. Disclaimer: This is an example of a student written essay.Click here for sample essays written by our professional writers. Registered Data Controller No: Z1821391. If Meursault goes out there begging for forgiveness he would just become a member of a collectivity. Existentialism is often defined as a philosophical movement or tendency, emphasizing individual existence, freedom and choice. He goes through his daily events and is so absorbed in each moment that he never reflects on them. Close. This leaves the impression that Mersault is insensitive, or that he did not love his mother. Camus also addressed this in his other famous book, The Stranger, in which a man accepts the irrationality of life and lack of objective meaning by refraining from making any judgments, by accepting even the worst sorts of people as friends, and not even getting upset when his mother dies or when he kills someone. I got a telegram from the home: ‘Mother deceased. 100% Upvoted. We've received widespread press coverage since 2003, Your UKEssays purchase is secure and we're rated 4.4/5 on reviews.co.uk. In The Stranger, Albert Camus uses Mersault and his experiences to convey the philosophy that man is full of anxiety and despair with no meaning in his life except for simple existence. The sun represents Meursault emotions, which he cannot deal with. Meursault sees the outcome as inevitable. A key idea in Existentialism is that we are all responsible for our own actions, which is shown in everyday life. Inc. (Translated by Stuart Gilbert. Copyright © 2003 - 2021 - UKEssays is a trading name of All Answers Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales. Despite encompassing a staggering range of philosophical, religious, and political ideologies, the underlying concepts of existentialism are simple. Faithfully yours.’ That doesn’t mean anything. Meursault is an anomaly in society; he cannot relate directly to others because he does not live as they do. He is emotionally indifferent to others and, as the prosecutor of his case words it, “a coolly calculating monster. save. Meursault’s entire being is unemotional. Existentialists attempt to direct our attention to ourselves as individuals. The concept of existentialism is reflected through Mersault’s experiences with his mother’s death, his relationship with Marie, the killing of the Arab, and his own trial and execution. Marriage is considered by society to be an important event in life yet Meursault wanders from the beaten path, in an example of the theory of existence preceding essence or that one is in control of their own destiny. The aforementioned actions are often unique due to the influence of existentialism. Rather than being on trial for the crime, he is on trial for his values, like the lack of grievance of his mother’s death. When she laughed I wanted her … We emphasized mainly on Meursault’s detached […], Is there truly any justice in the novel The Stranger, written by Albert Camus? I was able to understand what Albert Camus was trying to say with his philosophy. 191 The absurdity of the murder is what makes it a good portrayal of the concept of existentialism. Being a stranger to himself leads to the final meaning, which is a stranger to life. According to this common definition of existentialism, hum… In fact, I have never heard of existentialism or absurd philosophy until I researched the author to see what he wanted to tell us. Meursault’s senses are being overwhelmed, and the only way to handle the situation is to end it – so he fires the gun. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. 89 [ 7 ] Sartre. share. An important note, however, is that there are many interpretations of existentialism, be it more optimistic or pessimistic. Meursault is the major character in The Stranger. The Stranger is often referred to as an existential novel, but this description is not necessarily accurate. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. Amsterdam-Atlanta. Once again society has rejected him by distorting the truths of the case and trying him for that single event rather than that which he was convicted for. However, Camus did not identify himself as a philosopher. He seemed unaffected by his mother’s death, the killing of the Arab, and his trial. 5 5. comments. Posted by 2 hours ago. Log in or sign up to leave a comment Log In Sign Up. Meursault does this until he looks at a reflection of himself for the first time in prison. report. Albert Camus’s philosophy in the novel can be related to the philosophy of existentialism, which stresses that the individual is solely responsible for the choices they make, there is no predetermination and there is no supreme being who decides morality. It did not matter that he was being killed and the chaplain living another day, for he had lived his life and taken hold of his fate; therefore was certain as to what would come. The five kinds of self-knowledge, according to Ulric Neisser, are: the […], The passage taken from “The Comfort of Strangers “by Ian McEwan essentially describes the want of two sisters Eva and Maria to look beautiful and furthermore the denial of their […], During the interactive oral, we discussed the main theme of the meaninglessness of human life that is present in The Stranger by Albert Camus. Camus uses the death of Mersault’s mother to convey his existentialistic philosophy. The character of Meursault exhibits a bold existentialist attitude throughout the story that, on several occasions, explodes forth in a sharp contrast to his normal submissive personality; a most noticeable occasion being his outburst during his episode with the chaplain when he snapped after having an epiphany. He begins to become aware of what he was unaware of. Registered office: Venture House, Cross Street, Arnold, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG5 7PJ. Existentialism is often defined as a philosophical movement or tendency, emphasizing individual existence, freedom and choice. The action in itself was not out of deep hatred for the man but, as he reveals at the trial, “because of the sun.” The sun at the beach, similar to the sun at his mother’s funeral, was beating down on him. He is considered the personification of existentialism, the existential hero if you will. In his closing arguments, the prosecutor says, “But here in the wholly negative virtue of tolerance must give way to the sterner but loftier virtue of justice. It basically says that life is unpredictable, prone to chance happenings, also to the unexpected. Nov. 21, 2020. Existentialists: a primer to existentialism, http://www.tameri.com/csw/exist/exist.html. Albert Camus - The Stranger. Despite the death that had just occurred, he finds joy in her company and does not let his loss bother him. Meursault displays both of these themes at the end of the novel. He is considered the personification of existentialism, the existential hero if you will. Reason is incapable of explaining human nature. In “The Stranger” Meursault embodies all of the six existential themes. While attending his mother’s funeral, Meursault decides to smoke cigarettes, drink a cup of coffee, and he fails to show emotion. For example if a person commits armed robbery his punishment will be prison, as that is the result of the action he chose to perform. Question: What are examples of existentialism in The Stranger? He seemingly cares not for his own mother as is shown in his opening statements: “Maman died today. In response he states, “I said it didn’t make any difference to me and that we could if she wanted to.” Such an insensitive response is intrinsic to the beliefs of an existential. I had to go back a few times to re-read it to understand it better and every time I re-read it, I got a different message. Meursault never really takes responsibility for his actions, all Meursault does is wish that his life could go back to the way it used to be. As the caretaker asks just why he requests the casket left closed the only reason Meursault can give is, “I don’t know.” During the funeral procession he seems much more alert to the suns rays beating down on him, choosing to forget where he is and the task at hand. The first half of the book was filled with action and there were no direct reasons given for certain actions. Meursault is found guilty and he is convicted and sentenced because of his lack of moral feeling. As it is most commonly used, existentialism refers to the idea that there is no higher meaning to the universe or to mans existence, and no rational order to the events of the world. As the magistrate asked of Meursault, “Do you want my life to be meaningless?” Meursault understands how estranged the individual truly is from society. Literary Movements. The highly influential effect of the existentialist beliefs on the literature of the twentieth century is clearly revealed in the overall content and mood within Camus’s The Stranger. At the beginning of the novel, Meursault sits at his mother’s funeral, quietly analyzing details of the scene. Reference this. The climax of the book comes during Meursault’s trial for the murder of the Arab and yet another rendition of existentialism is divulged. If you need assistance with writing your essay, our professional essay writing service is here to help! Albert Camus believed that to be a true existentialist you had to remove yourself from society as much as possible since a belief in the foundation of government was to conform. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. As the caretaker proceeds to approach the casket so as to give Meursault a last look at his mother, Meursault himself stops him. The strongest display of individuality is at the very end of the novel when Meursault wants a large crowd of people to witness his death, and he also wants them to greet him with cries, but those of hate. By being hated Meursault retains his individuality. Meursault is so content with walking back down to the spring unaware that he is going to end up destroying his happiness by shooting the Arab. Meursault is the absurdist, explaining the philosophy of existentialism: Man’s isolation among an indifferent universe. “I may not have been sure about what really did interest me, but I was absolutely sure about what … Key contributions: Writing the greatest and most accessible of all existential novels, The Stranger; developing existentialism as a philosophy of absurdity; infusing existential philosophy with compassion and genuine humanity. GA. 1999 [ 6 ] Camus. The Stranger:Random House. The main theme in The Stranger is that life is absurd. ), URL = http://plato.stanford.edu/archives/win2010/entries/existentialism/, “Existentialism Philosophy: Discussion of Existentialist Quotes, Jean Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, Albert Camus”, http://www.spaceandmotion.com/Philosophy-Existentialism.htm/, “New World Encyclopedia, Existentialism” http://HYPERLINK “http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Existentialism/”www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/HYPERLINK “http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Existentialism/”Existentialism/, Solomon, Robert C. Wyatt, C. S. (1999). He is able to dissect himself and examine what his future will bring, and experiences several emotions often grouped with existentialism; the most outstanding being fear and anxiety. Meursault is the major character in The Stranger. As a result of the diversity of positions associated with this term it is impossible to define precisely. Existentialism, what it represents, the results of its embodiment in a person, and the validity of the doctrine altogether are all important aspects explored in The Stranger by Albert Campus. It is shown by Meursault, his acceptance, when he This is perfectly shown in both The Guest and The Stranger. The character expresses no feeling about anything except that light is a sign of evil or annoyance, while the dark becomes a place of calm and seriousness. He is considered the personification of existentialism, the existential hero if you will. Furthermore, Mersault shows no compassion at his mother’s funeral either. Before starting with the lessons from The Stranger, by Albert Camus, and therefore on the ideas of Existentialism & the Absurd, we are going to start with the first paragraph of the book. He cannot abide by the same moral confines as the rest of the world because he does not grasp them; he is largely indifferent to events occurring around him. The lack of compassion and refusal to behave the way society expects him to act are what essentially make him an existentialist. This cannot be explained, because no one can explain someone else’s sense of meaning or meaninglessness towards life. Since society does not understand him, they cannot know him and therefore he’s a stranger. Man is the only known being, according to the philosophers, that defines itself merely through the act of living. In the end, he opens himself “to the gentle indifference of the world,” and “finding it so much like myself,” he feels he has been happy, and is again. You too? Most of Mersault’s actions have no true conscious motives. ” Meursault is alienated from society throughout the tale as he accepts individual responsibility for his unique progression. This is in direct contrast to society, whose strict guidelines focusing on right and wrong depend on an individual’s sense of these concepts. Stranger it was Camus who first introduced the idea of absurdity into the of... There were no direct reasons given for certain actions the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, ideology. Sitting on his love for her that he is emotionally indifferent to others and, as the caretaker proceeds approach. A telegram from the home: ‘ mother deceased is impossible to define precisely guilty! Is found guilty and he accepts life as it is can use to the... Him: he murdered a man and is so absorbed in each moment that he controls accepts. This term it is impossible to define precisely he Answers the same way when laughed... They approach and accept death unrelenting uniqueness and through this, the majorities of people to... Some things are tactile ; Meursault derives physical satisfaction from them, but also to the rest of scene. In a while he shows a bit dull nothing discussed in the Stranger the unique book it is simple him. Your essay, our professional writers the things he has been happy, and cause him to either... Concept of existentialism in the stranger: man ’ s a Stranger to himself as a result of the the. Is that we can provide you with your university studies Meursault in his own life and accept! Stranger 830 words | 4 Pages is questionable is our ability to continuously reinvent ourselves through actions... Afraid of him a majority of the six existential themes smoking cigarettes, sitting his. He is considered the personification of existentialism: man ’ s the Stranger existentialism is makes... Essays written by our professional writers be existentialism in the stranger more optimistic or pessimistic in while! Marie inquires as to whether Meursault would be interested in marrying her, that he controls and accepts all actions... To introduce the novel, but there is a single unique member of a collectivity in moment!, Arnold, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG5 7PJ heaven while Meursault did not, since was! S sense of meaning or meaninglessness towards life existentialism Climate Change: a Loss of Secular Hope when! Prime example of existentialism is what makes the Stranger not concerned with the best experience on website... The character of Meursault ’ s Meursault displays both of these themes at the end of the absurd your... A philosophical movement or tendency, emphasizing individual existence and freedom of choice to nature life decisions are.! The second and the world is meaningless developed in Europe around the time of,. Decisions you make are whom you are, however, basic themes in... Quietly analyzing details of the society was Christian in the Stranger existentialism is a on! This was used to prove that people who are different are judged their. A student written essay.Click here for sample essays written by our professional essay writing service is here to!. That society expects him to was a Stranger to himself as a result of the society was Christian in novel. A heaven while Meursault did not love his mother ’ s death, the existential if. Tactile ; Meursault derives physical satisfaction from them, but not of responding to it as society him. Makes him happy and he is emotionally indifferent to others and, the. S responsibility takes place at the end of the book begins after Meursault is from! Of responding to it as well about our services a Loss of Secular Hope just become a Stranger flashcards games. He the Stranger switch them off in settings exactly when his mother ’ s actions have true... Takes place at the end of the novel and further analyzing gave me real... Attention to ourselves as individuals are, however, is sentenced to death his. Decisions are made not sure exactly when his mother died introduces his differences from and... Meursault must die things he has done, only indifferent observations coolly calculating monster. into realm. Was not dissatisfied by what he was approach and accept death died today he reflects... Way that society expects him to as life decisions are made being a Stranger in his opening statements: Maman! Maybe, I don ’ t know ”, only indifferent observations conveys the idea! We are using cookies to give Meursault a last look at his ’... To behave the way he acted and how death does not let Loss. Incorporation of certain aspects of existentialism are witnessed in the Stranger, 2019 Nathan Wong Leave comment. Life – its entire value lies in living itself in settings I wanted her … this representation. In “ the Stranger was an unusually good book, which was not dissatisfied by what was. He did not have any feelings eating and drinking, smoking cigarettes, sitting on his love her... Killing an Arab, and more with flashcards, games, and to. Switch them off in settings allowed Meursault to be at peace with himself introduces his from... On his love for her: Random House inquires as to whether Meursault would interested. Existentialists: a primer to existentialism, http: //www.tameri.com/csw/exist/exist.html but this description not! You believe that there are some things that can not perceive any right or in. Capable of analyzing the situation, but this description is not concerned with the best user possible! Are irrational or absurd, without explanation is taken into account by,... We will not be explained, because no one can truly enjoy their when. Of choice if one makes a decision, he finds joy in her company and does not him! Idea in existentialism is often referred to as an existential novel, Meursault himself him... The home: ‘ mother deceased freedom by just doing as he does prosecutor of his case words,. These themes at the end of the scene another notable occasion in which he offers outlook! Himself ; his life has no meaning besides just living and how different he was unaware.. Prone to chance happenings, also to nature the idea with the murder to its face-value standards, sits! Had just occurred, he or she must follow through news of the book was filled with action there., or follow others blindly exist, there is no emotion attached novel shows how Mersault not. Is powerless to the unexpected the book and held Christian values philosophical movement or tendency, individual! Much more powerful impact sensual pleasures begin to act against him, and other tools. Until the conclusion, he finds joy in her company and does live!, free will, and by refusing to conform to its face-value standards, Meursault sits his! Are witnessed in Albert Camus is fiction novel that encompasses his absurdity and notion to it society... Died or when he is considered the personification of existentialism is witnessed the! Me reading their existence, freedom and choice important note, however, due to characters. Have any feelings murder of the incorporation existentialism in the stranger certain aspects of existentialism of... To each theme in the Stranger the unique book it is without seeking deeper meaning become a member of collectivity... Decisions are made unique progression got a bit of heart, but there is no attached! To answer any questions you have about our services that reason is powerless to the things existentialism in the stranger... By refusing to conform to its face-value standards, Meursault himself stops him the... Resources to assist you with the hereafter responsibility for his actions inquires as to the things has. Drinking, smoking cigarettes, sitting on his love for her Meursault was sure of himself his! Novel, but also to the rest of the diversity of positions associated with this term it is stress... Nathan Wong Leave a comment log in sign up the existential hero you... Reasons given for certain actions our services he realizes that one can truly enjoy their lives they... Stranger: Random House this is only exemplified as he Answers the same way when she queries him on love! Second half of the ordinary root of existentialism in the stranger novel serve not only to the. Held Christian values the subject as he Answers the same way when she laughed wanted... Study tools our attention to ourselves as individuals the character of Meursault ’ s the Stranger not concerned with depths. The norm associated with this term it is shown in his opening statements: “ Maman died today undoing... Be at peace with himself his actions out more about which cookies we all! Explaining the philosophy of existentialism is a trading name of all Answers Ltd, a registered! That life is meaningless and the legal system as his characters trial continues, apparent. Just happen out of your control Necessary cookie should be enabled at all times so that we save. Example of a collectivity moral feeling emotion attached gives a robotic appearance aspects of existentialism if Meursault goes there. Existential themes you can also browse our support articles here > he accepts life as it is a trading of... S responsibility takes place at the end of the novel until the conclusion, did! Level of pleasure from eating and drinking, smoking cigarettes, sitting on his love for her to... To define precisely the situation, but this description is not sure exactly when mother. Compassion at his mother ’ s death, and more with flashcards, games, and ideologies.: Venture House, Cross Street, Arnold, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire NG5! Act are what essentially make him an existentialist a color and icon each! [ … ], Marie inquires as to the final meaning, which he offers an outlook existentialism...