The Stranger is a philosophical novel that explores existentialism and the absurd through the life of its emotionally detached protagonist, Meursault, who lives in French-colonial Algeria.
Part One:
The novel opens with the
famous line:
“Mother died today. Or
maybe yesterday, I don’t know.”
Meursault is indifferent to his mother’s death and
shows little emotion during her funeral. He returns to his life in Algiers,
spending time swimming, going to the cinema, and beginning a romantic
relationship with a woman named Marie.
He also becomes involved
in the affairs of his neighbor Raymond, a shady man who abuses his
mistress. Meursault writes a letter for Raymond to lure her back. When the
woman’s brother, an Arab man, confronts them on the beach, tensions
escalate.
Later, Meursault returns
to the beach alone. Blinded by the sun and disoriented, he encounters the Arab
man again. In a sudden, emotionless act, Meursault shoots him five times,
killing him.
Part Two:
Meursault is arrested and
put on trial for murder. During the trial, the focus is less on the crime
itself and more on Meursault’s lack of emotion — especially his behavior
at his mother’s funeral. His atheism and indifference to social norms are seen
as monstrous.
He is found guilty and
sentenced to death.
In prison, Meursault
reflects on life, death, and the absurdity of existence. He ultimately accepts
that life has no higher meaning, and in doing so, finds peace. He embraces the
universe’s indifference and dies content, knowing that nothing matters.
Key Themes:
- The Absurd
– Life is irrational and without inherent meaning.
- Existentialism
– Personal responsibility and acceptance of life's randomness.
- Alienation
– Meursault is isolated from society due to his indifference.
- Death and Meaning
– Death is inevitable; meaning is what we make of it.
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