Analysis Of The Stranger By Albert Camus

The structure of a novel can play as much of a role in plot development as its characters. In The Stranger, Albert Camus’ construction of events builds up Meursault as a character parallel to its narrative structure. He does this by manipulating the magnitude and significance of Meursault’s reactions to the things that happen around him and as such, Camus allows the intensity of the narrative tone to ascend and descend accordingly as the plot proceeds. The novel’s exposition leads with Meursault’s generally disinterested attitude leading into his increasing irritability and volatility alongside the rising action, as seen by his behavioral changes. Meursault murdering the Arab distinctly marks the climax, and the novel finally concludes with

When remembering what it was like living with his mother, he admits to himself that he knows she didn’t like living with him but his narration suggests he feels guilty about how he cared for his mother – whether it was when she lived with him, or when she was at the home because he didn’t visit her. Either way, it demonstrates that Meursault is able to feel guilt, potentially meaning that his murderous act was born out of desperation or need to see if he was still able to feel. Given that Meursault was only introduced to the novel immediately after he learned of his mother’s death, it’s possible that his actions were all linked to how he felt in losing her. Camus uses murder as a testament that what would ruin a person simply does nothing for Meursault, but contrary to his trial revolving around his lack of reaction to his mother’s death, her dying may have been the only thing that truly evoked any emotion for him, even if only inwardly.

In concluding Part 1 of The Stranger, creates a transition to the 4th stage of grief – depression. Meursault shooting the Arab another four times after killing him may have been an attempt to reclaim control in his life, but this sentence shows Meursault’s acceptance of consequence in such a way that creates a sense of looming punishment. The use of a simile adds to the aural imagery of the event, each gunshot opening up the misery of his