Stranger Literary Analysis Essay Example

In the novel The Stranger by Albert Camus, life is portrayed as meaningless with no true order. As humans, we often struggle to find purpose and structure within our lives. Camus wrote the novel in an attempt to have readers question their own purpose and existence. Camus was a firm believer that the only certain thing in life is death, so all lives are equally meaningless. The unconventional hero of the Stranger is Meursault and Camus used him to challenge the standards of the universe. His actions and life possess no rational order. Throughout the Stranger, one main theme is the irrationality of the universe. Meursault´s entire life represents no rationality for he shows no emotion, has an indifferent outlook on life and has no urge to truly live and do good for the world.

Since the beginning of the novel, Meursault lacked empathy and emotion. Although his mother Maman died he was more concerned with his discomfort at her funeral than mourning her, for he complained that a woman was sobbing and he seemed thrilled when ¨finally she shut up”( Camus 11). Not only was he selfish at the service, but he was unmindful to even remember when Mamam died for he stated ¨Maman died today. Or yesterday maybe¨ (Camus 1).  Meursault exemplifies irrationality the most in his actions. For instance when he shot and killed the Arab without an ounce of remorse. He acted without thinking as he shot his motionless body four extra times and showed no understanding of the repercussion. While speaking with his lawyer Meursault was questioned as to why he was not upset the day of his mother´s funeral. Meursault responded with ¨I probably did love Maman, but that didn´t mean anything. At one time or another, all normal people have wished their loved ones were dead¨. (Camus 65). The lawyer then interrupted Meursault and had him promise not to say that at his hearing or in front of the examining magistrate. A normal person would never wish death upon someone, especially their own mother. Meursault´s lack of emotion made people depict him as a heartless monster, and a stranger to society.

Meursault portrays his indifferent outlook on life numerous times within the novel. Many people would jump at the opportunity to prosper in their careers and receive a promotion. Meursault was just the opposite, when given the opportunity to transfer to Paris he declined it, for he believed that ¨one life was as good as another¨, essentially even if details may change it remains pretty constant (Camus 41). While most people create meaningful and purposeful relationships, Meursault did not. When Marie had asked Meursault if he would like to marry her he said ¨it didn´t make any difference¨(Camus 41). He proceeded to explain that marriage had no importance to him, but would if it gave her pleasure. When Marie then questioned if he loved her he proclaimed ¨that it didn´t mean anything but that I probably didn´t love her¨ (Camus 41). It is completely absurd and irrational to agree to marry someone, but not even be able to say that you love them, but for Meursault, neither was of great importance. 

Meursault has shown from the beginning of the story that he has no great drive or urges to truly live a great life. Meursault has been socially isolated for so long that it has led him to become emotionally numb with no purpose. When the Chaplain came to visit him in hopes of leading him towards god Meurault completely shut him down. Meursault believed ¨we were all condemned to die¨ whether he believed in God or not everyone ends up the same (Camus 117). Meursault time and time again failed to follow the rules of society because he felt there was no higher purpose. When questioned if he had wished for another life Meursault states ¨Of course I had, but it didn´t mean any more wishing to be rich, to be able to swim faster or to have a more nicely shaped mouth. It was all the same¨ (Camus 119-120). Meursault had begun to even challenge the chaplain´s view of God with his belief that nothing means more than anything else.

In conclusion, the novel The Stranger by Albert Camus perfectly encapsulates the irrationality of the universe through Mersault´s actions, decisions, life, and relationships. Society tends to have rules and expectations of how people should behave and react in certain situations. When one fails to follow these rules society views them as a threat. Meursault was a perfect example of a threat. He proved numerous times he did not want to nor care to follow the rules of society, for he believed there was no higher purpose, ultimately displaying the irritation and absurdity in the world that led to his death.