How Does The Stranger Reflect the Existentialist Philosophy of Albert Camus?
The sun beat down on Meursault as he walked behind his mother's coffin, yet he felt nothing. This stark image, devoid of expected grief, perfectly encapsulates Albert Camus's existential masterpiece, *The Stranger*. Published in 1942, the novel thrust readers into a world stripped bare of inherent meaning, forcing them to confront the same unsettling reality Camus himself embraced: the universe is indifferent, and human existence is inherently absurd. Through Meursault, an antihero who lives by his immediate desires and refuses to conform to societal expectations, Camus masterfully illustrates the tenets of existentialist philosophy. <br/ > <br/ >#### The Absurdity of Existence <br/ > <br/ >Meursault embodies the existentialist concept of the absurd. He exists in a constant state of disconnect between himself and the world, unable to find meaning in societal norms or even his own emotions. His indifference towards his mother's death, his emotionless reaction to love and loss, and his passive acceptance of his fate all highlight the chasm between human desire for meaning and the universe's cold indifference. This stark contrast is the crux of the absurd, a concept Camus considered the foundation of existentialist thought. <br/ > <br/ >#### Embracing Freedom and Responsibility <br/ > <br/ >Despite his apparent apathy, Meursault makes conscious choices that solidify his status as an existentialist hero. He chooses to be honest about his lack of grief for his mother, even though it alienates him from society. He chooses to pursue a physical relationship with Marie, devoid of societal expectations of love and commitment. These choices, while unconventional, demonstrate Meursault's embrace of his personal freedom. He refuses to be bound by societal expectations or to fabricate emotions he doesn't feel. This radical freedom, however, comes at a price. Meursault takes full responsibility for his actions, accepting his fate without seeking justification or blaming external forces. <br/ > <br/ >#### Revolt Against the Absurd <br/ > <br/ >Meursault's passivity does not equate to resignation. His acceptance of the absurd is, in itself, a form of rebellion. By refusing to conform to societal expectations and embracing his own truth, he challenges the very foundations of a world obsessed with meaning and order. His final outburst before his execution, a defiant rant against the hypocrisy and meaninglessness he observes, is the culmination of this revolt. It is in this moment of passionate defiance that Meursault truly embodies the existentialist spirit, choosing to die with his own truth rather than live a lie. <br/ > <br/ >Meursault's journey in *The Stranger* serves as a powerful exploration of existentialist philosophy. His indifference to societal norms, his embrace of personal freedom, and his ultimate revolt against the absurd all exemplify the core tenets of Camus's own philosophical beliefs. Through Meursault's detached narration and unconventional choices, Camus forces us to confront the absurdity of our own existence and grapple with the weighty responsibility of forging meaning in an indifferent universe. <br/ >