the stranger literary analysis essay

The Stranger 

Introduction of the stranger.

The Stranger was written by Albert Camus , one of the most popular stories published in 1942. It was published in French as L’ Etranger. Later it was published in England and the United States as The Outsider and The Stranger respectively. The story runs around Meursault in a first-person narrative that announces the death of his mother and highlights his relationships with different people. The book sheds light on the predicament of existentialism and absurdism that Camus has presented in most of his literary pieces.

Summary of The Stranger

The story of the novel presents a young Algerian who gets information through telegram about the sad demise of his mother. He seeks permission from his boss for two days’ leave to visit the funeral. After the boss approves curmudgeonly, he sets on to journey in a bus where for most of the time he sleeps. . When he reaches Morengo where his mother used to live in an old home, he speaks to the director and sees the body of his mother. However, he does not accept the offer of the caretaker to watch her face by opening the coffin which was sealed because he didn’t want to be a bother. After spending his entire night there, he still does not show his emotions when smoking, drinking a cup of coffee, and dozing a bit at the old home. The director, then, informs him the next morning to meet the friend of his mother, Thomas Perez whom the members of the old age home jokingly referred as her fiance,  wants to attend her burial rites to which Meursault agrees.

Finally, the coffin is sent to the small village where the old lady is to be handed over to her grave. However, Perez becomes unconscious due to hot weather, all this while Meursault gets upset over the hot weather but shows no remorse about his mother’s death. After the burial rites, he realizes why his boss was so disappointed in approving him to leave since it would grant him 4 days as his mother’s funeral was on Friday. Thinking this Meursault enjoys going for a swim in a public beach where he meets his former co-worker Marie Cardona and amuses her beauty . He, then, suggests going to a comedy movie and a dinner later. This astonishes Marie that it’s the same guy that has participated in his own mother’s funeral a day ago but quickly forgets and accepts the date. . When Marie leaves him at night, he again finds himself free to kill his time. The next day he meets his friend Emmanuel and spends his time at work. Then he goes to dinner with his neighbor, Raymond Sintes, who is involved in a vendetta with his girlfriend since she has been receiving gifts from other gentlemen which arises suspicions in him that she has been cheating on him and asks Meursault to write her a letter to return, so when she comes after receiving the apology letter he wants to humiliate, spit on her face and kick her out of the house. Meursault agrees to write the letter because ‘he didn’t mind it’.

When the next day Marie visits him, he again becomes almost heartless as he does not express his love for her despite her inquiries. Meanwhile, they hear shouts from Raymond’s apartment and see the police entering. When, however, Meursault testifies on his behalf, the police leave him. The next day when Marie visits him, she inquires his intention of marrying her and at the same time his employer asks him if he’d like to go work in a different branch in Paris,  to both he states that ‘he doesn’t have strong feelings but wouldn’t mind doing it if it pleases the other party’. Then one day they go to the beach with Raymond but comes across Arabs who stab Raymond. When they come to the beach again after dressing of the wounds of Raymond, Raymond hands over his pistol to Meursault to shot the Arab if he attacks. Afterward, Meursault shoots the Arab who instantly dies, while the police arrest Meursault. All this while Meursault neither denies the act of murder nor shows any regret.

When it comes to his confession, the government provides him a lawyer but the lawyer becomes disgusted due to his coldness and frigidity on account of his lack of emotions on the death of his mother. While talking to The magistrate and was asked why he shot the Arab four times after he was dead and if he believed in God. He complained that the Sun was too hot that day and he didn’t believe in the existence of God. The magistrate, then, ironically takes his atheism as the reason for his criminality and titles him as “Monsieur Antichrist.” He becomes so much alone when even Marie stops visiting him because the authorities don’t allow her anymore since they are not married. Slowly, he becomes habitual of the absence of women, cigarettes, and loneliness. As soon as he is put on trial, he becomes indifferent to it. Soon he is sentenced to be put on gallows on the evidence he is a heartless killer, for he has not wept or showed emotions even on the death of his mother.

He soon finds himself in this quandary and tries to adjust to this new situation. Although he thinks of escaping from the prison, yet without finding no successful way out. While waiting for his execution, he tries to appeal as well hoping in some way he could get out of prison. During this time prison chaplain forces him to abandon atheism and swear allegiance to Christianity even though he refuses to see the chaplain in the first place. The chaplain forcibly enters the cell and tells him that even if his appeal succeeds, he wouldn’t overcome his feelings of guilt and fix the broken relationship with God. These condescending words of the chaplain enrage Meursault and lead him to attack.  After the chaplain has left the cell he finds himself to be empty of any kind of hope to escape the execution through the appeal and ponders about his dead mother who might have felt the same way when everyone was approaching her death bed and tried to comfort herself in the friendship of Mr. Thomas Perez. Meursault finally sheds any glimmer of hope, so he unwraps his mind to the “gentle indifference of the world.” His only hope is that there will be a crowd of angry spectators at his execution who will greet him “with cries of hate.”

Major Themes in The Stranger

• Irrationality: The novel demonstrates the theme of irrationality through the character of Meursault who sees that there is no point in wailing over the death of his mother, making a fuss, or abandoning usual activities of life as she was to die in any case. As soon as this idea takes hold of him, he becomes a heartless murderer and is sentenced to death for killing an Arab. However, he is satisfied and happy with his condition of not accepting irrationality which is in itself is ridiculous as he goes against the accepted beliefs of the time and gets a death sentence from the court.
• Meaningless: Meursault comes to know the meaninglessness of life when he finds his mother dead and himself alone to perform her funeral rites. However, instead of mourning and expressing grief, he chooses to stay indifferent, for it would not matter after all if he mourns deeply or not. Even in the case of Marie, he rathers chooses to enjoy the company than to marry her. When she asks about love, he stays indifferent and shows no emotion. In fact, his punishment, too, demonstrates his views about the meaninglessness of life over which even the religious authorities take a strict view of his atheism and support his death sentence. His acquaintances also demonstrate his proclivity toward absurdity that is also a state of meaninglessness.
• Significance of Physical World: For Meursault, the physical world is too much with us without having our ability to find meanings in everything. He faces embarrassment mentally when he does not understand the meanings of anything that comes into contact with him. The departure of his mother, the love of Marie, and even shooting someone makes him acutely aware of man’s inability to understand this physicality of the world.
• Miscommunication: The Stranger, through the character of Meursault, demonstrates that despite best efforts to communicate effectively, human beings fail in it. This leads to miscommunication. His supposed or real indifference to the world causes various misinterpretations of other characters such as the magistrate understands him as a cold murderer, while the chaplain thinks that he is an atheist.
• Absurdity of Life: The theme of absurdity of life emerges when Meursault comes to know about the illogical life of his own. He does not see any meaning in incidents happening around him such as the death of his mother, Marie’s love or marriage proposal, or even outing and staying in the room. When he is imprisoned for killing the Arab, he thinks that it is also an absurd incident in his life. Therefore, life seems absurd to him.
• Indifference to Human Passions: Meursault, the hero of The Stranger, shows indifference to human emotions during the death of his mother and later in his love life, his dealing with the Arabs, his friendship with Raymond, and his own trial in the court. This becomes a new thematic strand of the irrational story in that it shows that indifference to human emotions could lead somebody to gallows or save his life.
• Difficulty in Relationships: The theme of difficulty in forming relationships becomes clear when Meursault does not show his emotions and love for Marie. He fails to respond or express to her about his love. The same goes for Raymond. This difficulty has also robbed him of his relationships including his empathy as he does not feel anything when shooting a person at point-blank range.
• Passivity: Meursault demonstrates passivity when his mother dies and he feels helpless. He thinks that it is to happen in any case. His demonstration of emotion would not impact it. However, he does not show any emotional attachment toward Marie with whom he spends a lot of time in enjoyment.
• Alienation: The theme of alienation is clear from the alienation of Meursault not only during his mother’s death but also during his friendship with Raymond and love with Marie. He even shows this alienation from the social fabric when in prison.

Major Characters in The Stranger

• Meursault: The main character of the story, The Stranger, Meursault demonstrates Camus’ main philosophy of existentialism. The author also makes him a mouthpiece to express his ideologies. The novel starts with his arrival at the death of his mother, his participation in her last rites, his love with Marie, his friendship with Raymond, his intended murder of an Arab, and his interview with the magistrate when he is framed in the murder to be imprisoned. He shows the meaninglessness and absurdity of this life that he is condemned to live until he reaches the gallows where he finds a glimmer of hope that he would be released. However, his indifferent state demonstrated during this entire process takes his life.
• Marie Cardona: Marie Cordona is another major character who is significant on account of her relation and association with Meursault, the protagonist . Although she expresses her love and goes with him to a certain limit, she stops visiting him to prison when it transpires to her that she has no relation with him. In fact, it is the prolonged indifference and cold-heartedness of Meursault that makes her abandon him.
• Raymond Sintes: Raymond’s significance lies in his friendship with Meursault as he considers him a good friend who can be trusted. That is why he lies to the police when it comes to saving his neck from the long arms of the law. However, inclusion into the personal affair of his friend becomes Meursault’s involvement in the assassination of the Arab after which Raymond does not appear much in the storyline as Meursault waits for his death sentence in the prison.
• Maman: Maman is Meursault’s mother. He mentions her in the very first sentence of his narrative when he says that the mother is dead. Although she does not physically appear in the novel, her funeral rites set the indifferent tone of the novel that like its protagonist moves along the story until Meursault faces a death sentence on the crime of killing an Arab.
• The Chaplain: This theological character appears when Meursault is imprisoned on the murder charges. He tries to make Meursault realize that he needs to be in association with God but Meursault shows complete indifference to his teachings and passionate calling.
• Thomas Perez: He is a minor character; when as a son, Meursault, does not show any passion for his dead mother, he shows his sympathy and empathy toward her and goes with her coffin to participate in her funeral rites. He is significant because of this relationship with Maman.
• Céleste: Celeste’s appears when Meursault has dinner at his restaurant and both show interest in races. He also shows a similar interest in his trial.
• Meursault’s Lawyer: This anonymous figure appears when Meursault is to defend his case in court. However, he finds himself in a quandary when he comes to know the total indifference of his client. He tries to offer him guidance on how to sympathize and show empathy toward others and take interest in his case, but fails. However, he stays positive and vanishes when it becomes clear that Meursault is going to gallows.
• Caretaker: The significance of the caretaker of the old home lies in his importance of contacting the heirs of the old people. He contacts Meursault and informs him about the death of his mother and also arranges funeral rites.

Writing Style of The Stranger

Albert Camus wrote The Stranger in concise and specific details. Although the sentences are short and crispy without excessive adjectives , it seems that he has adapted the language to suit the personality of his character, Meursault. As most of the sentences are short and to-the-fact style , they do not spell out meanings more than the writer has intended. The diction , too, is mostly formal, the reason that it seems that the storyline conveys the intended meanings of the author to his readers. There is minimal use of literary devices other than those given below in the analysis.

Analysis of Literary Devices in The Stranger  

• Absurdity: The absurdity in the novel lies in that Meursault imagines himself alien, alienated, and detached from the society where life seems to him meaningless.
• Action: The main action of the novel involves Meursault’s story, his mother’s death, his love with Marie, his friendship with Raymond, and his trial for murdering an Arab. The rising action occurs when he shoots the Arab and the falling action occurs when he resigned to his fate that he is going to be hanged for his crime.
• Antagonist : The Stranger shows the main character Meursault as an antagonist as he keeps himself detached from the occurrences happening with him. When he commits a murder he shows coldness that costs him his life.
• Allusion : There are various examples of allusions given in the novel. i. She laughed again and said, “Yes,” if I’d take her to the comedy everybody was talking about, the one with Fernandel in it. (Chapter-II) ii. It was to open a branch at Paris, so as to be able to deal with the big companies on the spot, without postal delays, and he wanted to know if I’d like a post there. (Chapter-V) iii. “Well, Mr. Antichrist, that’s all for the present!” After which I was made over to my jailers. (Part-II, Chapter-II) The first two allusions are related to Paris and Parisian life, while the latter is a biblical allusion .
• Conflict : The are two types of conflicts in the novel . The first one is the external conflict that is going on between Meursault and the society around him as well as the ethical framework prevalent at that time. The second is the mental conflict that is going on in his mind about his own situation and his reaction to it.
• Characters: The Stranger presents both static as well as dynamic characters. The young man, Meursault, is a dynamic character as he faces a huge challenge and goes through his self-awareness and world-view transformation. However, the rest of the characters do not see any change in their behavior and self, as they are static characters like Marie, the magistrate, Perez, or Raymond.
• Climax : The climax reaches when Meursault shoots a man without any reason and is imprisoned and punished for the murder he committed.
• Existentialism : Existentialism is clear from the way Meursault feels as if he is isolated in the entire world having nobody to take care of him and feels happy in this situation.
• Foreshadowing : The novel shows the following examples of foreshadowing : i. MOTHER died today. Or, maybe, yesterday; I can’t be sure. The telegram from the Home says: YOUR MOTHER PASSED AWAY. (Part-I, Chapter-I) ii. I was conscious only of the cymbals of the sun clashing on my skull, and, less distinctly, of the keen blade of light flashing up from the knife, scarring my eyelashes, and gouging into my eyeballs. (Book-I, Chapter-IV) iii. For the first time, perhaps, I seriously considered the possibility of my marrying her.. (Part-I, Chapter-V) These quotes from The Stranger foreshadow the coming events.
• Hyperbole : Hyperbole or exaggeration occurs in the novel at various places. For example, i. My lawyer assured me the case would take only two or three days. “From what I hear,” he added, “the court will dispatch your case as quickly as possible, as it isn’t the most important one on the Cause List. There’s a case of parricide immediately after, which will take them some time. (Part-II, Chapter-III) The above example is hyperbole , and also it shows how his indifference is leading to new allegations such as parricide which is a hyperbolic situation here.
• Imagery : Imagery is used to make readers perceive things involving their five senses. For example, i. It was a bright, spotlessly clean room, with whitewashed walls and a big skylight. The furniture consisted of some chairs and trestles. (Part-I, Chapter-I) ii. The glare off the white walls was making my eyes smart , and I asked him if he couldn’t turn off one of the lamps. “Nothing doing,” he said. (Part-I, Chapter-I) iii. The sky had changed again; a reddish glow was spreading up beyond the housetops. As dusk set in, the street grew more crowded. People were returning from their walks, and I noticed the dapper little man with the fat wife amongst the passers-by. (Part-I, Chapter-III). The first example shows the images of color, the second again of color, and the third of color as well as movements.
• Irony : The novel shows an example of irony . For example, i. He got up, saying it was high time for him to be in bed, and added that life was going to be a bit of a problem for him, under the new conditions. For the first time since I’d known him he held out his hand to me—rather shyly, I thought—and I could feel the scales on his skin. Just as he was going out of the door, he turned and, smiling a little, said:” (Part-I, Chapter-III) The irony here lies in that Meursault sees the meaninglessness of the beating of the dog by Salamano, though he himself feels this about his own life.
• Metaphor : The Stranger shows the use of various metaphors . For example, i. I felt the first waves of heat lapping my back, and my dark suit made things worse. (Part-I, Chapter-I) ii. He gave me a long look with his watery blue eyes. (Part-II, Chapter-I) These two examples show the author comparing waves with a man and look at something. Besides this, the Algerian sun is the metaphor awareness of reality.
• Mood : The novel shows tragic mood in the beginning but it turns out absurd and ironic by the end.
• Motif : Most important motifs of the novel constant watching, death and decay.
• Narrator : The novel is narrated by a third person point of view of an omniscient narrator who is also an unreliable.
• Protagonist : Meursault is the protagonist of the novel. The novel starts with the death of his mother and moves forward toward his crime of murdering an Arab and his punishment to be condemned to death.
• Rhetorical Questions : The novel shows a good use of rhetorical questions at several places. For example, i. ‘When he said that, I broke in. “Ah, you don’t come from here? (Part-I, Chapter-1) ii. ‘When are you going to marry her?’ they’d ask . He’d turn it with a laugh. It was a standing joke, in fact. (Part-I, Chapter-I) iii. So one day I say to her, ‘Look here, why not get a job for a few hours a day? (Part-I, Chapter-III) These examples show the use of rhetorical questions posed mostly by Meursault not to elicit answers but to stress upon the underlined idea.
• Setting : The setting of the novel is Algiers after WWII.
• Simile : The novel shows good use of various similes. For example, i. Then the dog began to moan in old Salamano’s room, and through the sleep-bound house the little plaintive sound rose slowly, like a flower growing out of the silence and the darkness . (Part-I, Chapter-III) ii. One could see the outline of her firm little breasts, and her sun-tanned face was like a velvety brown flower. (Part-I, Chapter-IV) iii. He was turning like a teetotum, looking in all directions, and sometimes peering into the darkness of the hall with his little bloodshot eyes. (Part-I, Chapter-IV) iv. It was like a furnace outside, with the sunlight splintering into flakes of fire on the sand and sea. (Part-I, Chapter-VI) These are similes as the use of the word “like” shows the comparison between different things.

Related posts:

• The Stranger Characters
• The Stranger Themes
• The Stranger Quotes
• Stranger Danger
• Albert Camus

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“The Stranger” by Albert Camus: Literary Analysis Essay

Literary analysis of the stranger by albert camus.

Literature has always been reflecting major trends in various spheres of social and political life at a certain period. Philosophical views also have an immense impact on the development of literary works which represent the core ideas of the epoch. The philosophy of existentialism emerged in Europe, sharing the ideas of individuality and freedom based on which people make decisions. Albert Camus is considered as existentialist, but he acknowledges his contributions to absurdism the basic principles of which are highlighted in his novel The Stranger .

Albert Camus is a famous author and philosopher who was born in the family of French expatriates in Algiers. He studied philosophy at the university so that after obtaining a degree he explored the concepts of existentialism in the middle of the 1930s and examined the principles of the absurdity of human existence several years later. Based on the analysis of the newly acquired philosophical ideas, Camus started to work on his first novel The Stranger .

It incorporates the ideas of absurdity which question the value and sense of human life depicted throughout the subjective experiences of the protagonist. He acts based on his prejudices and choices but realizes what he is doing and knows the value of words (Camus 100). In general, the literary works of the writer explore a search for justice, liberty, and faith in human dignity, disregarding the external factors and neglect of personal identity. Nevertheless, the philosophy of Camus states that people have enough opportunities to determine destiny by making deliberate choices but not chances determined by fate.

The themes of existentialism and absurdism are discussed in The Stranger , a novel about the man who considers the universe is pointless. Meursault, the protagonist, obviously lacks remorse when his mother dies so that his behavior is not typical during the funeral. When the caretaker invites him to the room, he drinks some coffee with milk and smokes (Camus 12). Such behavior is perceived as disrespectful and inadequate because people are usually upset when their family members pass away, while the main character remains unflappable.

Indeed, society is formed based on some ideological principles the neglection of which may lead to the disruptions and uncertainties in the system (Camus 101). Subsequently, the ideas of absurdism affect the audience because they define uncommon values associated with a differentiating behavior that expresses the inner self of the person rather than masks one’s true feelings and motivation for actions. In this case, the existentialism dogma questions the freedom of choice and juxtaposition of subjective and objective values.

The inner struggle between personal values and external expectations are clearly illustrated in the actions and thoughts of the protagonist. Camus admits that human beings form themselves based on their values and freedom of choice. Thus, Mersault takes his chance to fight with Arab and shoot him five times (Camus 59). This case proves that he is a man of a free will that is essential to support one’s human dignity.

Throughout the novel, the protagonist often refers to the power of the sun as the agent that usually provokes Meursault to lose temper and commit some unreasonable actions. Even during the examination when he is asked about the pause between the first and the second shot, the protagonist only reminds of the power of the burning sun on his forehead but could not explain anything (Camus 67).

The life of the main character is the sequence of random and impulsive choices that form his individuality. His values and preferences contradict the external social environment and identify him as a man with no remorse, lack of emotions, and moral premises. The concept of the stranger in the novel symbolizes an enemy of society who ignores fundamental rules (Camus 102). It means that the value of the freedom of choice and action is undermined by justice, ideologies, and moral principles that regulate social order.

Apart from the inability of the individual to resist the power of social regulations, and understanding of the role of religion constitutes another problem of existentialism discussed in The Stranger . The protagonist of this novel breaks the rules, declines the power of religion, questions the sense of life, but his mother said that happiness can be found in any aspect of life (Camus 113). Meursault is happy even before his death which makes him a respected hero of the existentialist philosophy.

Furthermore, he does not change his principles before execution so that during the last chaplain’s visit the protagonist confidently affirms that he still envisions no sense in religion (Camus 117). Despite rejecting the existence of God, Camus acknowledges that a world with no religion will be full of chaos so that everything would be uncontrolled due to no restrictions or moral regulations.

Overall, the themes of existentialism covered in The Stranger affect the audience by the irrationality of life and the inconsistency of the moral principles. The writer’s philosophy implies that people have enough freedom to determine their destiny by making deliberate choices. These actions form a particular individual through the evolvement of personal values that sometimes contradict social regulations and moral principles. Thus, the protagonist neglects the truth of religion, rebels against the rules, and lives an irrational life but declares himself happy, which makes him a respected existentialist hero.

Works Cited

Camus, Albert. The Stranger . Translated by Matthew Ward, Vintage, 1989.

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The Stranger

Albert camus, everything you need for every book you read..

Welcome to the LitCharts study guide on Albert Camus's The Stranger . Created by the original team behind SparkNotes, LitCharts are the world's best literature guides.

The Stranger: Introduction

The stranger: plot summary, the stranger: detailed summary & analysis, the stranger: themes, the stranger: quotes, the stranger: characters, the stranger: symbols, the stranger: theme wheel, brief biography of albert camus.

Historical Context of The Stranger

Other books related to the stranger.

• Full Title: The Stranger
• When Written: 1941?-1942
• Where Written: France
• When Published: 1942
• Literary Period: Modernist
• Genre: Philosophical novel
• Setting: Algiers, Algeria
• Climax: Meursault shoots the Arab.
• Antagonist: Raymond
• Point of View: First person (Meursault is the narrator.)

Extra Credit for The Stranger

An Existential Novel? Though The Stranger is often categorized as an existential novel, Camus himself rejected this label. Camus’ philosophy of Absurdism resembles Existentialism in many respects (both philosophies, for example, believe in the essential meaninglessness of life) but Camus was fiercely committed to human morality and dignity, ideas many Existentialists discarded.

Alternate Translations. The key sentence in Meursault’s final acceptance of death has been translated in several different ways, each of which shifts the line’s meaning. The edition on which this guide is based was translated by Matthew Ward and published in 1988. It translates the line: "I opened myself to the gentle indifference of the world." The first English edition, translated by Stuart Gilbert and published in 1946, translated this line, "I laid my heart open to the benign indifference of the universe." The second English edition, translated by Joseph Laredo and first published in 1982, translated the line, "I laid my heart open to the gentle indifference of the universe."

The Stranger: A Classic Exploration of Existentialism

Unlocking the Enigma of Camus’ Masterpiece

Albert Camus ‘ “The Stranger” stands as an enduring testament to the complexities of human existence, blending a gripping narrative with profound philosophical musings. Published in 1942, this novella has continued to captivate readers and stimulate discussions about the meaning of life, the absurdity of existence, and the consequences of detached indifference. In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into the plot, key characters, and central themes of “The Stranger,” uncovering its origins, its impact on literature and culture , and offering suggestions for further reading.

Table of Contents

Plot: A Tale of Absurdity

“The Stranger” opens with a stark declaration: “Mother died today. Or maybe, yesterday; I can’t be sure.” These first lines introduce us to Meursault, the novel’s enigmatic protagonist, who approaches life with a disturbingly detached demeanor. The story unfolds in the scorching backdrop of French Algeria, as Meursault navigates the mundane routines of his life with dispassionate apathy.

Meursault’s indifference becomes evident as he attends his mother’s funeral without displaying any conventional signs of grief. He prefers the sensory pleasures of life, such as smoking, drinking, and casual relationships, over emotional engagement. His detached perspective on existence is encapsulated in his response to life’s most pressing questions: “It doesn’t matter.”

The plot takes a dark turn when Meursault commits an inexplicable act of violence on a sun-drenched beach, killing an Arab man. The subsequent trial and its absurdity, driven by societal expectations and moral judgments, serve as a lens through which Camus examines the human condition. Meursault’s trial, rather than being a quest for justice, reveals the absurdity of the human pursuit of meaning and the consequences of deviating from societal norms.

Key Characters: Unmasking the Players

Meursault is the central figure of “The Stranger.” His lack of emotional depth, penchant for routine, and casual amorality set the stage for the novel’s exploration of existential themes. He represents the disengaged, detached individual, living life on the surface, and offering no rational explanations for his actions.

Marie Cardona

Marie, Meursault’s girlfriend, serves as a foil to his detached nature. She represents a desire for emotional connection and normalcy, which starkly contrasts with Meursault’s indifference.

Raymond Sintes

Raymond, Meursault’s neighbor and friend, embodies the destructive consequences of unchecked impulses. His violent relationship with his Arab girlfriend serves as a precursor to Meursault’s own act of violence.

The Chaplain

The prison chaplain symbolizes the conflict between Meursault’s atheism and society’s religious expectations. Their exchanges in prison delve into the nature of belief, the absence of meaning, and the absurdity of existence.

Key Themes: Unveiling the Existential Depths

Existential absurdity.

At the heart of “The Stranger” lies the theme of existential absurdity. Camus illustrates that life is inherently meaningless, and any attempt to impose meaning upon it is futile. Meursault’s indifference to societal norms and moral judgments highlights the absurdity of human existence.

Alienation and Isolation

Meursault’s alienation from society is a recurring motif. His inability to connect emotionally with others leaves him isolated and detached. This theme mirrors the broader existentialist concern with the inherent isolation of the individual.

The Banality of Evil

Camus explores the idea that evil actions can arise from ordinary circumstances. Meursault’s murder of the Arab man is not premeditated; it emerges from a chain of thoughtless decisions, highlighting the potential for evil within the mundane.

Freedom and Responsibility

Meursault’s insistence on his own freedom and autonomy, even in the face of societal condemnation, raises questions about the relationship between freedom and responsibility. He refuses to conform to society’s expectations, asserting his right to live life on his terms.

What Inspired the Book: Camus’ Philosophical Journey

To understand “The Stranger” fully, it’s essential to delve into the intellectual and philosophical background that influenced Albert Camus . Born in 1913 in French Algeria, Camus was deeply affected by the political and philosophical currents of his time.

Camus’ philosophy is rooted in existentialism, a school of thought that gained prominence in the mid-20th century. Existentialists grappled with the idea that life lacks inherent meaning and that individuals must create their own purpose in a seemingly indifferent universe. Prominent existentialists like Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir explored similar themes, but Camus brought his unique perspective to the table.

Camus’ experiences as a pied-noir (a French citizen born in Algeria) and his early years in poverty profoundly shaped his worldview. His firsthand exposure to the harsh realities of colonialism and class disparity in Algeria fueled his interest in social justice and the absurdity of the human condition.

“The Stranger” emerged as a product of Camus’ philosophical evolution. He famously articulated his philosophy of the absurd in his essay “The Myth of Sisyphus,” published in 1942, the same year as “The Stranger.” In this essay, Camus posits that life’s inherent lack of meaning does not necessitate despair but should instead lead to a revolt against the absurdity of existence.

Camus’ exploration of these philosophical ideas found its most vivid expression in the character of Meursault and the events of “The Stranger.” The novella can be seen as an embodiment of Camus’ existentialist and absurdist philosophy, providing a narrative framework to examine the human condition.

Reviews and Cultural Impact: A Literary Phenomenon

Controversial reception.

Upon its publication, “The Stranger” elicited a range of reactions. Many critics and readers were initially taken aback by the novel’s unconventional narrative style and Meursault’s morally ambiguous character. Some dismissed it as nihilistic and amoral, while others saw it as a profound exploration of existential themes.

Critical Acclaim

Over time, “The Stranger” garnered critical acclaim and achieved literary recognition. Jean-Paul Sartre, a fellow existentialist philosopher, praised the novel as a significant contribution to existential literature. Sartre’s analysis of the book in his essay “Explication de L’Étranger” helped solidify its status as a philosophical masterpiece.

Cultural Impact

“The Stranger” has left an indelible mark on literature and popular culture. It remains a staple in literature courses worldwide and continues to spark discussions about existentialism, morality, and the human condition. Its influence can be seen in works by contemporary authors who explore similar themes of alienation and existential angst.

Translations and Adaptations

The novel’s impact has extended beyond the written page. It has been translated into numerous languages, allowing a global audience to engage with its themes. Additionally, “The Stranger” has inspired several adaptations, including stage plays, films, and even a graphic novel. These adaptations have brought Camus’ story to new audiences and provided fresh perspectives on its enduring relevance.

Examples of Similar Books: Exploring Existentialism

If you found “The Stranger” thought-provoking and are eager to delve deeper into the realm of existentialism, there are several other literary works that explore similar themes and philosophical ideas. Here are a few recommendations:

1. “Nausea” by Jean-Paul Sartre

Jean-Paul Sartre’s “Nausea” is a foundational text of existentialism. The novel follows Antoine Roquentin, a solitary writer who grapples with the overwhelming sense of nausea and existential dread in his mundane existence. Sartre’s exploration of the absurdity of life and the search for meaning resonates deeply with the themes in “The Stranger.”

2. “The Plague” by Albert Camus

Another masterpiece by Camus, “The Plague” explores the human response to a devastating epidemic in a small Algerian town. As the town is quarantined, its residents must confront the absurdity of suffering and death. The novel delves into themes of solidarity, morality, and the human capacity for heroism in the face of the absurd.

3. “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka

Franz Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis” tells the surreal story of Gregor Samsa, who wakes up one day to find himself transformed into a giant insect. This novella explores themes of alienation, absurdity, and the dehumanizing effects of modern life, echoing the existential concerns central to “The Stranger.”

4. “Notes from Underground” by Fyodor Dostoevsky

Although predating existentialism as a formal philosophy, Dostoevsky’s “Notes from Underground” delves into the psyche of its unnamed narrator, who grapples with nihilism and the meaninglessness of life. The novel’s exploration of human suffering and the desire for self-destruction aligns with existentialist themes.

Other Books by Albert Camus: A Literary Journey

Albert Camus was a prolific writer, and his literary contributions extend beyond “The Stranger.” If you’ve been captivated by Camus’ unique perspective on the human condition, here are some of his other notable works worth exploring:

1. “The Myth of Sisyphus”

In this philosophical essay, Camus introduces his concept of the absurd and explores the idea that life lacks inherent meaning. He argues that the human response to this absurdity should be one of revolt and the embrace of individual freedom.

2. “The Fall”

“The Fall” is a novel that delves into the psychological turmoil of its protagonist, Jean-Baptiste Clamence. Through a series of monologues, Clamence reflects on his life and moral failings, providing a profound exploration of guilt, responsibility, and the human condition.

3. “Exile and the Kingdom”

This collection of short stories showcases Camus’ literary versatility. Each story explores the human experience in different settings, from North Africa to France, and delves into themes of alienation, isolation, and the search for meaning.

4. “The Rebel”

In “The Rebel,” Camus explores the idea of rebellion as a response to oppression and injustice. He critiques both the nihilism of totalitarianism and the excesses of revolution, offering a nuanced perspective on the role of rebellion in human history.

The Stranger

In conclusion, Albert Camus’ “The Stranger” remains a literary and philosophical masterpiece that challenges readers to confront the absurdity of human existence. Through its intriguing plot, memorable characters, and profound themes, the novella continues to provoke thought and inspire discussions about the nature of life, meaning, and morality. As you delve further into Camus’ body of work and explore related literature, you embark on a journey of philosophical discovery, where the search for meaning in an indifferent universe becomes both a challenge and a source of profound insight.

For further reading on existentialism, check out our articles:

• Exploring Existentialism: A Guide to the Philosophy of Existence
• The Philosophy of Absurdity: From Camus to Sartre
• Existentialist Literature: A Dive into the Human Condition

The Stranger

By albert camus.

Published in 1942, The Stranger is Camus' most enduring literary achievement. It has baffled and troubled readers of all ages for decades as they try to contend with Meursault's approach to life, emotions, and consequences.

About the Book

Article written by Emma Baldwin

B.A. in English, B.F.A. in Fine Art, and B.A. in Art Histories from East Carolina University.

The Stranger by Albert Camus is regarded as one of the finest examples of absurdist fiction ever written. Camus was one of the pioneers of this form of philosophy and used it as the guiding principle in the conception and creation of  The Stranger.  This novel is certainly his best-known work of fiction. The story follows Meursault, an unusual man living in Algiers who floats from one part of his life to the next without conviction or too much emotion. Meursault, like Camus, believes in the meaninglessness of life . This means that when presented with a choice, Meursault simply acts without worrying about the consequences or how that action might be perceived. 

Key Facts about  The Stranger

• Title:   The Stranger
• When/where written : 1941-1942
• Published: France
• Literary Period: Modernism
• Genre:  Absurdist, philosophical
• Point-of-View:  First-person
• Setting: Algiers, Algeria
• Climax:  The murder of the Arab on the beach.
• Antagonist:  Raymond, Meursault himself, the nature of life.

Albert Camus and  The Stranger

Today, Albert Camus (along with Soren Kierkegaard) is regarded as a leader of the existentialist movement . Specifically, absurdism; that is, the belief that life is essentially meaningless despite the human desire for it not to be.  Camus believed that human beings have three different ways that they might confront that meaninglessness. The first of these is to commit suicide or “escape existence.” It’s an option, neither Camus nor Kierkegaard believed was the right one. Second, one might turn to religion or spirituality to find a meaning that doesn’t really exist. One takes a “leap” into the unprovable in this scenario. Lastly, there is acceptance. One must acknowledge the absurd but continue to live. Camus believed that this last option was the best. It is only through accepting the absurd that one can experience their own freedom. (Kierkegaard vehemently disagreed.) While absurdism might seem at first only tangential to  The Stranger  it is in fact at the heart of the story. Meursault is a “stranger” to society . He doesn’t believe that life has meaning nor does he seek to create through relationships.

Books Related to  The Stranger

Directly related to  The Stranger  is Camus’ best-known philosophical essay,  The Myth of Sisyphus.  It was published the same year as  The Stranger  was finished and outlines his beliefs about absurdism and the nature of life. The essay is regarded as one of Camus’ finest works and often ranks alongside  The Stranger  on lists of his most important literary achievements. Although Camus is best-known for absurdism, there are other writers who also engaged with this philosophical idea. For example, The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka in which Kafka presents an absurd scenario without explanation or reason–because there isn’t one. Kafka’s  The Castle  and The Trail  are also good examples.

The Lasting Impact of The Stranger

The Stranger  is Camus’ most enduring novel . Meursault’s story has confused and haunted readers of all ages, around the world for the eighty years since it was published. The book’s opening line, “Mother died, today” is instantly recognizable as is its closing line: “I opened myself to the gentle indifference of the world”. Camus saw Meursault as someone who refused to play by the rules of society. He knows that there is no point to life, despite how others try to convince him, and he pays the price for it.

The novel is regarded as a classic due to the continued challenge of reading about Meursault’s life and trying to understand him as a person. It raises questions that are often uncomfortable to ask and even more so to answer. Most importantly perhaps, it forces readers to reassess the value they place on their interactions and choices .

The Stranger Review ⭐

‘The Stranger’ by Albert Camus tells the story of an exceedingly average man living what appears to be a mundane life.

The Stranger Quotes 💬

‘The Stranger’ contains some thought-provoking quotes, looking at life decisions, religion, memory, and the indifference of the world.

The Stranger Historical Context 📖

‘The Stranger’ was Albert Camus’s first novel and an important illustration of the absurdist world view. It was published as L’Étranger in Paris in 1942.

The Stranger Character List🧍‍♂️

‘The Stranger’ operates in a world that feels exceedingly ordinary, with a range of different characters in the novel.

The Stranger Analysis 📖

‘The Stranger’ was part of a cycle of Camus’s works that focuses on alienation and the absurd.

The Stranger Summary🧍‍♂️

‘The Stranger; by Albert Camus tells the strange and baffling story of a young shipping clerk, Meursault, and the surprising ways he reacts to the world around him.

It'll change your perspective on books forever.

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The Stranger Albert Camus

The Stranger literature essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of The Stranger.

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The Stranger Essays

Nonconformity: condemnation anthony haddad, the stranger.

"Society is a masked ball, where every one hides his real character, and reveals it in hiding." ---Ralph Waldo Emerson

A society constrained to specific social standards reprimands those who do not conform to such principles. In the process, a...

Irony Of The Stranger Sugato De

"Society is a masked ball, where every one hides his real character, and reveals it in hiding."

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

A society constrained to specific social standards reprimands those who do not conform to such principles. In the process, a supreme...

The Stranger: Existential Martyrdom Anonymous

The death of a loved one is typically one of the most emotionally distressing events people face, particularly when that person is a parent. In most societies, it would be considered taboo for a son to respond to his parent's demise with...

The Effectiveness of Violence in The Stranger Christina Harrison

Albert Camus's novel The Stranger is an extremely explicit work describing violent acts witnessed by a narrator who seems to be wholly unaffected by their brutality. The novel begins with death - "Mamman died today" (3) - and ends with the...

Truth Dawning: The Sun as a Symbol for Meursault's Awareness in Albert Camus' The Stranger Catherine Morrison

Truth Dawning:

The Sun as a Symbol for Meursault's Awareness in Albert Camus' The Stranger

In his novel "The Stranger," Albert Camus uses the relentless Algerian sun as a metaphor for the awareness of reality that pursues his main character,...

Sympathy for Protagonists of The Stranger and Metamorphosis Daniel Kell

In Camus’ The Stranger and Kafka’s Metamorphosis, the protagonist finds himself in an extraordinary situation that challenges his will. In both novels, this initially unsympathetic character struggles to redeem himself. In so doing, his identity...

Super Women Anonymous

The main female characters of Sonia and Marie in Crime and Punishment and The Stranger, respectively, do more than faithfully support Raskolnikov and Meursault in their times of need. Their roles structure the men’s characters and ultimately help...

Symbolism and Characterization in The Stranger and First Confession Ben Dong

In Albert Camus’s The Stranger and Montserrat Fontes’s First Confession, symbols and characterization play a major role in outlining each novel’s primary message. Both authors’ use of these literary elements contribute to the reader’s...

Absurdity in The Stranger Anonymous

In Albert Camus’ The Stranger, the main character, Mersault, is confronted with life’s absurdity after killing a man at a beach in Algiers. Mersault spends his days absorbed in living for the moment, granting little import to the past or future,...

Rejection of the Abnormal in The Metamorphosis and The Stranger Anonymous 12th Grade

Both Gregor Samsa from Franz Kafka’s novel The Metamorphosis and Meursault from Albert Camus’ The Stranger struggle to communicate with the people around them. Although Samsa suffers from physical abnormalities while Meursault possesses...

The Strangest Stranger Caitlin Tran 11th Grade

When Albert Camus’ novel, The Stranger, was first published in 1942, many readers did not know what to think of Meursault, the emotionally disconnected protagonist of Camus’ story. His absurdist views confused the masses that yearned for meanings...

A Comparison of How Alienation Affects the Protagonists of The Thief and the Dogs and The Stranger Mark Wheeler 12th Grade

In Naguib Mahfouz’s The Thief and the Dogs Albert Camus’ The Stranger, we are exposed to two very different characters, Said Mahran and Meursault. Both these characters are alienated from their societies, and change drastically as a result of this...

Clothing and Social Constructs in The Stranger Anonymous 12th Grade

In some novels, even the most minuscule ordinary objects are subjects of great importance and symbolism; after all, symbolism which adds meaning to the text that cannot be overlooked. In the work The Stranger by Albert Camus, outerwear holds a...

Meursault as an Outsider to Society, to Himself and to his Environment Eleni Achnioti 12th Grade

Albert Camus was an Algerian-French absurdist author, who wrote novels like The Outsider and The Plague. In The Outsider he tells the story of an emotionless and immoral character, Meursault, and how he deals with the norms of the society and the...

The Absurd and the Concept of Hope in Camus's Novels James Min 12th Grade

When one questions the existence of God, one often reverts to a specific, troubling question: “if God exists, why are there moral tragedies that cause such great suffering?” In other words, humans find it very difficult when there is an event or...

Philosophical Morality in A Clockwork Orange and The Stranger Anonymous 12th Grade

Many philosophers have believed for centuries that no intrinsic meaning exists in the universe. From this belief emerged many responses, including absurdism and existentialism. Although all are heavily influenced by the beliefs of Søren...

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Entertainment Anonymous 11th Grade

There is a Latin phrase “Mundus vult decipi, ergo decipiatur,” which translates to “The world wants to be deceived, so let it be deceived” (Sebastian). These words resonate particularly well when applied to Albert Camus’ The Stranger. To conform...

Individualism and Escape: Hunger, The Metamorphosis, and The Stranger Anonymous 12th Grade

Choice is inescapable and inevitable to all who exist or have ever existed. When meeting a fork in the road, a decision is always made, even if no action is taken. Utterly paradoxical, even the act of no decision at all is stepping in one...

The Stranger: Meursault’s Virtues? Sam Bennett 10th Grade

Meursault, the main character in Albert Camus’s The Stranger , is an intriguing individual with a complicated relationship to the world around him. He is curious by nature, and often wonders about the reality and purpose of the situations he finds...

Twentieth Century Turmoil Reflections in Literature Crystal Wu 12th Grade

During the twentieth century, life in Europe changed drastically, due to the multitude of events and changes that crowded this century. From the wars to the effects of the Industrial revolution, the lives of Europeans were constantly changing,...

Meursault: A Static or Dynamic Character? Sophie Lis 12th Grade

Throughout the duration of Albert Camus’s novel The Stranger , the narrator, Meursault, evolves in terms of his self-awareness and world-view, a change which Camus uses to aid the reader in understanding both his protagonist and the existentialist...

Humankind’s Drive to Find Meaning: Dostoevsky, Camus, and Woody Allen Anonymous 12th Grade

In absurdist fiction, authors and writers focus on characters who investigate the meaning of human existence in order to call into question existential notions. Some writers may utilize character’s confrontation with absurdism to either reject or...

A Sickness Called Death: The Significance of Salamano's Dog Anonymous College

The French novel The Stranger , written by Albert Camus and translated by Matthew Ward, describes a French-colonized Algeria in the 1940’s. Throughout the novel, central arguments and themes are being linked together by different scenes. In the...

The "Robot Woman" and Her Influence: Women’s Various Levels of Enlightenment Compared with Meursault's Own Elias Curran-Moore 12th Grade

In Albert Camus’ novel The Stranger , different women can be seen as having achieved various levels of enlightenment when compared to the final, ‘complete’ enlightenment Meursault achieves at the end of the novel. In the end, Meursault embraces...

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Analysis of Meursault in Camus' The Stranger

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Published: Jun 29, 2018

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