Analysis Of Absurdity In The Stranger By Albert Camus

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Different philosophies reveal different perspectives on life. Absurdity is a philosophy that

defines life as unreasonable and lacking of a defined meaning. In contrast, humans have an

innate nature to give meaning to life. Albert Camus reveals his absurd outlook in The Stranger

through Monsieur Meursault’s actions and attitudes. Meursault’s actions and attitudes are

unconventional, and their existence causes numerous difficulties. Meursault, who is an

embodiment of Albert Camus, believes that there is no rational meaning to life, but it does not

matter because everyone has the same fate.

Meursault can live a relatively normal life even though he is an emotionless person.

In the first lines of the novel, Meursault, addressing
…show more content…
If a courtroom is meant to decide what is fair, what is Meursault considered since

input is does not follow natural logic and rationale? Irrationality does not have to be rationally

defined, yet the courtroom has to make lies in order to influence or persuade the jury. The courts

can force meaning on meaningless events. The acceptance of irrationality is unfathomable to

many.

Meursault realizes the lack of meaning in life and irrationality of the world. When

Meursault shoots the Arab four times, he implies that his choice does not matter because there is

no difference. If the Arab is shot, he is shot. If not, he is not. In prison, Meursault starts to

develop and understand his own beliefs. He understands that there is no way out of prison, which

symbolizes that there is no way out of life. All humans are doomed. Every human will inevitably

die. It is a definite fact that cannot be changed. Thus, there is no meaning to life if all people die.

The world is irrational. The policeman who saw Raymond decides that it is sufficient to give a

warning to a man who commits a completely immoral act. The news article of the

Czechoslovakian man expands on this ordeal in that an innocent son does not deserve to die.

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