The Stranger
"Absolute justice is achieved by the suppression of all contradiction: therefore it destroys freedom," Albert Camus. This quote illuminates one of the many themes in The Stranger by Albert Camus. Camus shows us the direct relationship between the individual and his/her society. In the novel, the main character Meursault, has adopted an unemotional outlook on life, which is a direct result of the society he is living in. Meursault says and does what everyone else believes but is too afraid to act on. Meursault's bland attitude toward the people close to him, life, and death come from his society. During Meursault's murder trial, his unresponsive outlook comes back to haunt him and eventually earns him the death penalty. Meursault's attitude even earned him the title of monster. "By the horror I feel when I look into a man's face and all I see is a monster." Society is now trying to destroy the monster they have created. One of Meursault's most bizarre characteristics is his unemotional feelings toward the people closest to him. The example brought up the most in the novel, is Meursault's feelings toward
Life and death are obviously the two most vital and emotional part of a person's life, yet Meursault still manages to treat both with the same inexpressive mind-set that he does everything else. Again the funeral of his mother must be towards his mother. When asked why he put his mom in home a home, Meursault responds with " we just ran out of things to say." This attitude continues during his mom's funeral where he remains composed during the whole burial. Not once did he cry for the women who gave him life. The next example is his attitude toward love. Meursault and Marie start going out and quickly become serious. They presumably make love and seem to be infatuate with each other. It should follow that the two would be falling in love and marriage will soon follow. Marie seems to be falling in love but Meursault does not appear to be able to show his love. When asked if he wants to get married, Meursault replies, "Whatever you want to do," not quite the response for a marriage proposal. Meursault never shows enthusiasm towards Marie's ideas, he just agrees with whatever she says. Another example is the relationship between Meursault and Raymond. Meursault likes listening to Raymond but they d! brought up. He shows no sadness at the funeral. While in the viewing room, he drinks coffee with milk and smokes a cigarette. Both these acts are very sacrilegious. Most people would not dare do that at a love
Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 967
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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