“On my way out I was even going to shake his hand, but just in time, I remembered that I had killed a man." (Camus 64). Albert Camus wrote “The Stranger”, which is influenced by the philosophical view of existentialism. Existentialist believe life is not predetermined, our actions are independent of outside influence, humans are free to make life choices, and the significance of life is self-defined. The protagonist of the story, Meursault, is the worst existential mate due to his absence of passion for life, lack of self-responsibility for his actions, and his conviction people cannot develop opportunities to enhance their lives. Meursault lacks emotion and determination to excel even when opportunities present themselves. For example, he
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While people may have an advantage initially, this does not mean others cannot progress their lives in the future. For instance, while working his boss offered him a job in Paris, providing an excuse to improve himself and he responded, “I said that people never change their lives, that in any case one life was as good as another and that I wasn't dissatisfied with mine here at all” (Camus 41). Instead of becoming excited and accepting the offer, he responded pessimistically arguing it makes no difference to him whether he lived in North Africa or France. A majority of people would have been ecstatic, gratefully accepting the offer for the transition. This displays his non-existential view denying the chance to alter his future, preventing himself from improving his life status. Another example is when Meursault discloses, “..when I had to give up …show more content…
After Raymond was stabbed, he walks with Meursault down the beach to confront the Arab with the intentions to shoot him. While the Arab is laying in the beach sand by the springs with a friend, Raymond wants to simply walk up and shoot him. Meursault responds, “It’d be pretty lousy to shoot him like that” (Camus 56). This caution expressed Meursault’s logical awareness by challenging Raymond to not react poorly preventing him from being sent to jail for murder. Another reason he would be a respectable existential mate is the fact he is willing to help people in times of need. He listens to his neighbor Salamano mourn over losing his dog and instead of being rude, Meursault comforts him by reassuring him that thing will be alright giving “He gave examples of dogs that had walked dozens of kilometers to get back to their masters “(Camus 38). Instead of Meursault being his normal blunt self by telling the man his dog was gone forever and to get over it, he expresses humility by trying to relief him of his sadness. Another example is when he chose to help Raymond write the letter to his mistress because he “…didn't have any reason not to please him” (Camus 32). This Shows no matter how odd the request, he would provide his assistance when called upon. Since he frequently has spare time, this means he would be
While people may have an advantage initially, this does not mean others cannot progress their lives in the future. For instance, while working his boss offered him a job in Paris, providing an excuse to improve himself and he responded, “I said that people never change their lives, that in any case one life was as good as another and that I wasn't dissatisfied with mine here at all” (Camus 41). Instead of becoming excited and accepting the offer, he responded pessimistically arguing it makes no difference to him whether he lived in North Africa or France. A majority of people would have been ecstatic, gratefully accepting the offer for the transition. This displays his non-existential view denying the chance to alter his future, preventing himself from improving his life status. Another example is when Meursault discloses, “..when I had to give up …show more content…
After Raymond was stabbed, he walks with Meursault down the beach to confront the Arab with the intentions to shoot him. While the Arab is laying in the beach sand by the springs with a friend, Raymond wants to simply walk up and shoot him. Meursault responds, “It’d be pretty lousy to shoot him like that” (Camus 56). This caution expressed Meursault’s logical awareness by challenging Raymond to not react poorly preventing him from being sent to jail for murder. Another reason he would be a respectable existential mate is the fact he is willing to help people in times of need. He listens to his neighbor Salamano mourn over losing his dog and instead of being rude, Meursault comforts him by reassuring him that thing will be alright giving “He gave examples of dogs that had walked dozens of kilometers to get back to their masters “(Camus 38). Instead of Meursault being his normal blunt self by telling the man his dog was gone forever and to get over it, he expresses humility by trying to relief him of his sadness. Another example is when he chose to help Raymond write the letter to his mistress because he “…didn't have any reason not to please him” (Camus 32). This Shows no matter how odd the request, he would provide his assistance when called upon. Since he frequently has spare time, this means he would be