Albert Camus’s novella L’Étranger, translated into English as The Stranger or The Outsider, was first published in 1942 and is considered one of the most important works of 20th-century literature. The novel is often hailed as a quintessential example of existentialist literature, reflecting the author’s philosophical concerns about the nature of existence and the human condition.
The narrative centers around Meursault, a French Algerian who is portrayed with remarkable detachment and indifference to the world around him. The story begins with the death of Meursault’s mother, an event that triggers the central plot but is met by Meursault with a surprising lack of emotional response. This emotional detachment sets the tone for the novel and illustrates Meursault’s disconnection from societal norms and expectations.
The plot unfolds in two distinct parts. In the first part, the focus is on Meursault’s daily life, his relationships, and his reaction to the death of his mother. We learn about his relationships with key figures in his life, including his girlfriend Marie Cardona, his neighbor Raymond Sintes, and the various interactions he has with people in his community. Meursault’s interactions are marked by a certain emotional coldness and a straightforward approach to life, characterized by his preference for sensory experiences over intellectual or emotional engagements.
A pivotal moment in the novel occurs when Meursault becomes involved in a violent altercation. Raymond, who is embroiled in a conflict with his mistress’s brother, seeks Meursault’s help. In a fateful encounter on a beach, Meursault shoots the brother, killing him. This act of violence appears to be random and impulsive, further underscoring Meursault’s detached view of life. The subsequent arrest and trial of Meursault form the crux of the second part of the novel.
The trial is less about the crime itself and more about Meursault’s character and his perceived lack of conformity to social norms. The legal proceedings reveal the deep-seated values of the society in which Meursault lives, as the court and the public are more concerned with his emotional response to his mother’s death than with the actual murder he committed. This shift in focus highlights the absurdity of human attempts to impose meaning and order on a fundamentally indifferent universe.
Throughout the trial, Meursault remains largely passive and detached, offering little in the way of self-defense or rationalization for his actions. His inability or unwillingness to adhere to social conventions and express remorse is perceived as a significant moral failing. The legal and social system’s response to Meursault’s apparent lack of emotional depth becomes a commentary on the arbitrary nature of societal judgments and the existential struggle to find meaning in a world that is inherently devoid of it.
The novel’s conclusion is both poignant and thought-provoking. As Meursault awaits his execution, he undergoes a profound existential realization. He confronts the inevitability of death and the absurdity of life with a sense of clarity and acceptance. This final stage of Meursault’s journey reflects Camus’s philosophical views on the absurd—the conflict between humans’ desire to find inherent meaning in life and the silent, indifferent universe that offers none.
Camus’s The Stranger challenges readers to question their own assumptions about morality, justice, and the nature of existence. The novel’s exploration of existential themes, coupled with its stark and unflinching portrayal of a protagonist who embodies the absurdist philosophy, has solidified its place as a seminal work in modern literature. Through Meursault’s indifferent demeanor and the societal response to his actions, Camus invites readers to confront the often uncomfortable truths about the human condition and the quest for meaning in an indifferent world.