The Stranger

The Stranger: A Classic Existentialist Novel by Albert Camus

The Stranger, also known as The Outsider in the UK, is a philosophical novel written by French author and philosopher Albert Camus. First published in 1942, it is considered a classic of the existentialist genre and has been translated into over 40 languages.

Camus was born in French Algeria in 1913 and grew up in poverty after his father died in World War I. He went on to study philosophy at the University of Algiers and became a member of the French Resistance during World War II. His experiences during this time heavily influenced his writing, particularly his philosophical views on the absurdity and meaninglessness of human existence.

The Stranger tells the story of Meursault, a detached and apathetic French Algerian man who is accused of murder after he shoots an Arab man on a beach. The novel is a first-person narrative in which Meursault reflects on his life and actions leading up to the crime. He is portrayed as a man who lacks emotion and is disconnected from society, unable to conform to the expectations of those around him.

One of the main themes of The Stranger is the concept of the absurd, which is the idea that human existence is meaningless and that there is no inherent purpose or order in the universe. Meursault’s lack of emotion and detachment from society serve as a commentary on the futility of human existence and the irrationality of societal norms and values.

Another important theme in the novel is the idea of alienation, or the feeling of being an outsider. Meursault is constantly seen as strange and abnormal by those around him, and his lack of emotion and apathy towards his own life only further isolates him from society. This alienation ultimately leads him to commit the murder, as he feels no connection or empathy towards the victim.

The Stranger also explores the concept of death and how it is perceived by individuals and society. Meursault’s indifference towards the death of his mother and his own impending execution highlights the absurdity of human existence and the ultimate futility of life.

The novel’s famous first line, Mother died today. Or maybe yesterday, I don’t know, sets the tone for the entire story and encapsulates the detached and indifferent attitude of Meursault towards life and death.

In conclusion, The Stranger is a thought-provoking and powerful novel that delves into themes of existentialism, alienation, and the futility of human existence. Through its unique and philosophical narrative, it challenges readers to question the meaning and purpose of their own lives.