The major source of conflict in the text, The Outsider written by Albert Camus, is ultimately Meursault's rebellion against the expectations of society. This conflict, caused be rebellion, controls the plot line of the text from the time of Meursault's mother's death and eventually leads him to his own death. Like Camus himself, Meursault was in love with the sun and the sea. His life was devoted to appreciating physical sensations. He is devoid of any emotion, so much so as to appear traumatised or child-like. Meursault can be portrayed as Camus' metaphysical rebel, a man who says by his actions, "I will go this far, but no further."

In order to understand Meursault's rebellion one must first understand the nature of his personality as portrayed by Camus. The novel begins with the laconic assertion "Mother died today. Or, maybe, yesterday; I can't be sure." Meursault's lack of emotion of his mother's death eventually leads to his own. The conflict here is Meursault's refusal to fake sentimentality since he does not feel anything. His mother's death briefly interrupts the pleasant flow of Meursault's life; a life devoted to appreciating sensation. He loves the feel of a crisp towe

Camus defines "the rebel" as a man who says no, but whose refusal does not imply renunciation. Meursault says no too false sentimentality. He absolutely refuses to lie about his emotions even though that stand will cost him his life. He knows that he has been convicted not because he murdered the Arab but because he did not mourn for his mother. Yet he does not pander to this societal expectation. He has a narrow kind of integrity, but one nonetheless. He says yes to life, to his life of sun, sea, sex, food, drink, and crisp dry towels. He is a connoisseur of every day life. He neither demands nor expects anything beyond that.

Meursault is definitely limited in his rebellion. There are many unsavory aspects to his character. He seems to except French Algerian prejudices against the natives. None of the Arabs have individual names or unique personalities. He never expressed the slightest concern for the Arab he killed or for his family. Violence does not even concern Meursault. He is indifferent to Raymond beating his girlfriend or Salamano beating his dog. He is even willing to lie under certain circumstances. He writes the letter for Raymond, which is designed to deceive the Arab girl and expose her to humiliation. He later lies to the police to protect Raymond. Both Raymond and Celeste testify at the trial that he is a "good fellow." Marie is attractive to him because of her beauty and her readiness to make love. His rebellion against the conventions of society is a very limited one. He seems to accept his culture's attitudes towards natives and women.

The death of the Arab brings into question, Meursault's beliefs and values that are challenged by society, thus causing conflict. Meursault's unwillingness to back down from what he believed and his rebellious nature brought about his incarceration and death.

This easy-going, pleasant hedonism is interrupted permanently by Mersault's murder of the Arab on the beach. Not only is he incarcerated, but he also must examine the reality behind the il

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Approximate Word count = 1357
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)