The Stranger In the novel, The Stranger, Albert Camus discusses the absurdity of death through the novel’s protagonist, Meursault. The progressional characterization of Meursault, after the passing of his mother, reveals the insignificant value death possesses, while emphasizing the inevitability of death and momentary happiness. Within the plot, the theme of mortality is highly emphasized through three different deaths: Meursault’s mother, the murder of the Arab by the hand of Meursault, and Meursault’s execution. Although Meursault is connected to each death, the individual impact of each death affects Meursault’s school of thought and emotional stability, drastically differently.
“Since we’re all going to die, it is obvious that when …show more content…
“Meursault's flat response to the death of his mother conveys a sense of resignation, one supported by his lack of ambition at work and his indifference in personal relationships. (Moser). Moser’s statement suggests that, because of Meursault’s inability to commit to others in a romantic and friendly sense, seen by his apathetic character when discussing marriage with Marie and antisocial nature when invited to the beach with Raymond, his reaction to the death of his mother, is actually normal and reasonable. Overall, it can be suggested that Moser analyzes Meursault psychology in order to explain his behavior. Perhaps, Meursault has antisocial personality disorder, which is, “ a personality disorder in which person (usually a man) exhibits a lack of conscience for wrongdoings, even toward friends and family, may be aggressive and ruthless…” (Myers, 699). As this description does correlate with Meursault’s actions, diagnosing him with a disorder is not the only way to solve his …show more content…
“…I squeezed my hand around the revolver. The trigger gave... Then I fired four more times at the motionless body where the bullets lodged without leaving a trace. And it was like knocking four quick times on the door of unhappiness.” (Camus, The Stranger, 60) Before Meursault pulls the trigger, he contemplates the loss of life. To shoot or not to shoot? That is the question. But in the end, it is all the same-the Arab dies now, at the hands of Meursault, or later on-either way, he dies. But, if the Arab, “…moves in, or if he draws his knife, I'll let him have it.” (Camus, The Stranger, 56) Meursault’s statement reveals no fear or hesitance, which shows aggression and lack of remorse, correlating back to Moser’s theory that Meursualt may be a psychopath. In the earlier stages of the novel, Meursault could not care less about questions or making decisions. For example, when Marie brought up the topic of marriage, Meursault could go either way, and still be happy. But moments before the trigger gives, he questions his motives. Although small, Meursault’s transitional characterization moves further. This transition is displayed through Camus’s use of
“Since we’re all going to die, it is obvious that when …show more content…
“Meursault's flat response to the death of his mother conveys a sense of resignation, one supported by his lack of ambition at work and his indifference in personal relationships. (Moser). Moser’s statement suggests that, because of Meursault’s inability to commit to others in a romantic and friendly sense, seen by his apathetic character when discussing marriage with Marie and antisocial nature when invited to the beach with Raymond, his reaction to the death of his mother, is actually normal and reasonable. Overall, it can be suggested that Moser analyzes Meursault psychology in order to explain his behavior. Perhaps, Meursault has antisocial personality disorder, which is, “ a personality disorder in which person (usually a man) exhibits a lack of conscience for wrongdoings, even toward friends and family, may be aggressive and ruthless…” (Myers, 699). As this description does correlate with Meursault’s actions, diagnosing him with a disorder is not the only way to solve his …show more content…
“…I squeezed my hand around the revolver. The trigger gave... Then I fired four more times at the motionless body where the bullets lodged without leaving a trace. And it was like knocking four quick times on the door of unhappiness.” (Camus, The Stranger, 60) Before Meursault pulls the trigger, he contemplates the loss of life. To shoot or not to shoot? That is the question. But in the end, it is all the same-the Arab dies now, at the hands of Meursault, or later on-either way, he dies. But, if the Arab, “…moves in, or if he draws his knife, I'll let him have it.” (Camus, The Stranger, 56) Meursault’s statement reveals no fear or hesitance, which shows aggression and lack of remorse, correlating back to Moser’s theory that Meursualt may be a psychopath. In the earlier stages of the novel, Meursault could not care less about questions or making decisions. For example, when Marie brought up the topic of marriage, Meursault could go either way, and still be happy. But moments before the trigger gives, he questions his motives. Although small, Meursault’s transitional characterization moves further. This transition is displayed through Camus’s use of