The Role Of Social Expectations In Albert Camus The Stranger

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In modern society, there are common expectations that people should follow like human nature. These include what to wear, what to say, and what to do. However, in society there are always people who do not follow these expectations. Naturally, everyone breaks these because it is seemingly impossible to follow every expectation and it can be more comfortable to rebel and follow your own ideas. In The Stranger by Albert Camus, the central character, Meursault, clearly defies all the expectations with his unique character. The function of social expectations in the novel is to define and develop Meursault’s character as he breaks all societal expectations. Meursault shows little attention toward his family and friends. He has little knowledge of his immediate family which is something …show more content…

At his mother’s funeral it is stated “…he also wanted to know Maman’s age. I said, “About sixty…”" (Camus 25) which shows he does not know much about his own mother. Also the apathetic nature of Camus’ statement clearly demonstrates his lack of care towards his mother. The first line of the book is “Maman died today. Or yesterday maybe, I don’t know” (3). This exemplifies his blatant lack of interest in his family. After a tragic loss, society expects people to have a great concern in their loss. During the time of Maman’s funeral, Meursault shows no concern towards his mother’s death; he brushes it off to the side as it is of little importance to him. At the funeral, Maman’s friends from her home mourn her greatly. They all show that she was a very important person to them and that they loved her immensely. However, her son shows no sign of mourning. Instead, he finds the mourners to be irritating. This is seen when Meursault thought “I wished I didn’t have to listen to her anymore,” (10) about one of the mourners who was Maman’s close friend. Camus uses an existentialist concept of Meursault having no value in Maman, and therefore he cannot see how anyone could have despair over

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