An Essay On Meursault In The Stranger By Albert Camus

The Stranger Essay

The common person values his or her existence, and expects to live a long and full life. Meursault’s view is quite the contrary, showing how he does not value his existence, or when and how it will end. It is all the same to Meursault in the end. “Since we’re all going to die, it’s obvious that when and how don’t matter. Therefore… I had to accept the rejection of my appeal.” (Camus 114). Meursault states this while he is in jail, waiting for his execution. This quote highlights Meursault’s apathy and indifference towards life. In many instances throughout the novel, Meursault’s ambiguous attitude is present, such as when he feels no pain at his own mother’s funeral, or when he does nothing to stop the abuse of an innocent woman. Any other person acting this way would receive ridicule from his or her society. In Albert Camus’ The Stranger, the reader sees Meursault as an equivocal, heartless man. Society surveys him as a dangerous murderer because he is fundamentally at odds with society’s expectations.

For instance, when Meursault’s mother dies, he does not shed a single tear or express any feelings of sadness. When Meursault agrees to be Raymond’s friend, even though he knows what kind of person he is, the reader again sees Meursault’s questionable actions. He then agrees to write a letter to Raymond’s mistress, knowing that its intention is to lure the mistress to Raymond’s apartment so Raymond can beat her. Then when Raymond beats her, Meursault refuses to call the cops, and lets Raymond mercilessly beat her. Meursault not only shoots the Arab once, but four times. Meursault has no apparent reason for shooting the Arab. The only reason Meursault can come up with is that the sun was in his eyes. These actions would cause anyone in society to question Meursault’s mental