"Mamman died today or maybe it was yesterday." This is the opening sentence in The Stranger by Camus. In this novel we follow the life of a pessimistic but average man. He lives and works in Algiers, France and has just received word of his mother's death. This is where we see the first example of the happiness/sadness relationship. Camus takes a distinctive approach to the relationship by having the antagonist, Meursault, feel neither of the emotions. This even sets a precedent for the rest off the book. As we follow the antagonist through his everyday routines we discover that he rarely shows happiness or sadness. When he goes to his mother's funeral he does not weep. He drinks coffee and smokes cigarettes, which is very disrespectful. During the viewing, he mostly sleeps and still shows no emotions. He is the same way with happiness. When he is offered a new friendship he shows no reaction. When he is offered a new job

Some common words found in the essay are:
Earlier Meursault's, Algiers France, , House Ibsen, Henrik Ibsen, Stranger Camus, happiness sadness, Doll's House, happiness/sadness relationship, doll's house,
Approximate Word count = 631
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)