Literary Works That Shape Our World: A Critical Analysis - Sykalo Evgen 2023

Analysis of “The Stranger” by Albert Camus

The philosophy of absurdism

Albert Camus's novel The Stranger is a classic exploration of the philosophy of absurdism. Absurdism is the idea that there is no inherent meaning or purpose in life, and that humans must find their own meaning in a world that is often irrational and chaotic.

The novel's protagonist, Meursault, is an exemplar of the absurdist hero. He is a detached and indifferent individual who refuses to conform to social norms or moral codes. He lives his life in the present moment and accepts the absurdity of existence without complaint.

Meursault's absurdist philosophy is evident in his actions throughout the novel. For example, he shows little emotion at the death of his mother, and he commits murder without any apparent motive. He is also indifferent to his own fate, and he calmly accepts his death sentence.

Meursault's absurdist philosophy is also reflected in the novel's setting and imagery. The novel takes place in Algeria, a land of extreme heat and light. The sun and the heat are often associated with the absurdity of life, while the sea and the beach are associated with Meursault's longing for freedom.

Camus's novel does not offer any easy answers to the question of how to live a meaningful life in an absurd world. However, Meursault's example suggests that it is possible to live authentically and honestly, even in the face of absurdity.

Here are some specific examples of absurdism in The Stranger:

Meursault's indifference to the death of his mother.
Meursault's lack of emotion at his own trial and execution.
Meursault's inability to explain why he killed the Arab man.
The oppressive heat and sunlight of Algeria.
Meursault's longing for the sea and the beach.

Camus's novel suggests that the absurd is not something to be feared or avoided, but rather something to be embraced. By accepting the absurdity of life, we can live more authentically and honestly.

The existentialist tradition

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes the importance of individual freedom and responsibility, and the need to create one's own meaning in life. Existentialists believe that humans are "condemned to be free," meaning that we are responsible for our own choices and actions.

Albert Camus's novel The Stranger is often considered to be an existentialist novel. The novel's protagonist, Meursault, is an exemplar of the existentialist hero. He is a free and independent individual who refuses to conform to social norms or moral codes. He lives his life in the present moment and accepts the absurdity of existence without complaint.

Meursault's existentialist philosophy is evident in his actions throughout the novel. For example, he shows little emotion at the death of his mother, and he commits murder without any apparent motive. He is also indifferent to his own fate, and he calmly accepts his death sentence.

Meursault's existentialist philosophy is also reflected in the novel's setting and imagery. The novel takes place in Algeria, a land of extreme heat and light. The sun and the heat are often associated with the absurdity of life, while the sea and the beach are associated with Meursault's longing for freedom.

Here are some specific examples of existentialism in The Stranger:

Meursault's refusal to conform to social norms or moral codes.
Meursault's focus on living in the present moment.
Meursault's acceptance of the absurdity of existence.
Meursault's indifference to his own fate.

Camus's novel suggests that existentialism is not about pessimism or despair. Rather, it is about embracing the freedom and responsibility that comes with being human. By living authentically and honestly, we can create our own meaning in life, even in an absurd world.

The French colonial presence in Algeria

The French colonial presence in Algeria plays a significant role in Albert Camus's novel The Stranger. The novel is set in Algeria during the French colonial period, and Meursault, the protagonist, is a French Algerian. Meursault's detachment from society and his indifference to the Arab man he kills can be seen as a reflection of the colonial mentality that prevailed in Algeria at the time.

The novel also explores the ways in which colonialism dehumanizes both the colonizer and the colonized. Meursault's trial, for example, is a sham. He is found guilty of murder and sentenced to death, not because he actually committed the crime, but because he is a European who killed an Arab.

The novel also explores the ways in which colonialism can lead to violence. Meursault's murder of the Arab man is a senseless act of violence, but it is also a reflection of the violence that was endemic to colonial Algeria.

Camus's novel is a powerful critique of colonialism and its dehumanizing effects. It is also a reminder that violence is never the answer.

Here are some specific examples of the French colonial presence in Algeria in The Stranger:

Meursault is a French Algerian.
Meursault and his friends spend their free time at the beach, which is a symbol of French colonial privilege.
The Arab man that Meursault kills is never given a name, which dehumanizes him.
Meursault's trial is a sham, and he is sentenced to death because he is a European who killed an Arab.
The novel explores the violence that was endemic to colonial Algeria.

Camus's novel is a complex and ambiguous work, but it is clear that he was critical of the French colonial presence in Algeria. The Stranger is a powerful reminder of the dangers of colonialism and the importance of human rights.

The use of symbolism and imagery

Albert Camus uses symbolism and imagery extensively in The Stranger to convey his philosophical ideas. Some of the key symbols and images in the novel include:

The sun and the heat: The sun and the heat are often associated with the absurdity of life. Meursault's murder of the Arab man, for example, takes place on a hot and sunny day.
The sea and the beach: The sea and the beach are associated with Meursault's longing for freedom. Meursault is often drawn to the beach, where he feels most alive and at peace.
The Arab man: The Arab man is a symbol of the Other. He is someone who is different from Meursault, and he is therefore a threat to Meursault's sense of self.
The crucifix: The crucifix is a symbol of Christianity, which stands in opposition to Camus's absurdist world view. The magistrate waves a crucifix in front of Meursault during his trial, but Meursault rejects it.

Camus also uses a variety of other symbols and images in the novel, such as the flowers at Meursault's mother's funeral, the cigarette that Meursault smokes before his execution, and the priest who visits Meursault in prison.

Camus's use of symbolism and imagery is one of the things that makes The Stranger such a rich and rewarding novel. The symbols and images in the novel add depth and complexity to the story, and they help to convey Camus's philosophical ideas in a powerful and evocative way.

Here are some specific examples of how Camus uses symbolism and imagery in The Stranger:

The opening scene of the novel describes Meursault's mother's funeral. The flowers at the funeral are a symbol of death and mourning. However, the flowers also symbolize the beauty of life. This contrast between death and life is one of the central themes of the novel.
The cigarette that Meursault smokes before his execution is a symbol of his defiance and his refusal to conform to social norms.
The priest who visits Meursault in prison is a symbol of Christianity. However, the priest is also a symbol of the hypocrisy and intolerance of society.

Camus's use of symbolism and imagery is not always straightforward. The symbols and images in the novel can be interpreted in multiple ways. This is part of what makes The Stranger such a fascinating and thought-provoking novel.

The novel's critical reception and legacy

The Stranger was met with mixed critical reception when it was first published in 1942. Some critics praised the novel for its originality, its philosophical depth, and its powerful insights into the human condition. Others criticized the novel for its nihilism and its lack of moral judgment.

Over the years, however, The Stranger has come to be recognized as one of the most important and influential novels of the 20th century. It has been translated into over 50 languages and has sold over 50 million copies. The novel has also been adapted into several films and television shows.

The Stranger has had a profound impact on literature, philosophy, and culture. It has inspired generations of writers, thinkers, and artists. The novel has also been used to explore a wide range of topics, including the nature of morality, the meaning of life, and the challenges of living in an absurd world.

Here are some specific examples of the novel's critical reception and legacy:

The novel was praised by critics such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir.
The novel was criticized by critics such as François Mauriac and Gabriel Marcel.
The novel has been translated into over 50 languages and has sold over 50 million copies.
The novel has been adapted into several films and television shows, including a 1967 film directed by Luchino Visconti.
The novel has been used to explore a wide range of topics, including the nature of morality, the meaning of life, and the challenges of living in an absurd world.

The Stranger is a complex and challenging novel, but it is also a deeply rewarding one. It is a novel that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

How does Camus's philosophy of absurdism manifest itself in the novel?

Camus's philosophy of absurdism is the idea that there is no inherent meaning or purpose in life, and that humans must find their own meaning in a world that is often irrational and chaotic.

This philosophy is manifested in The Stranger through the protagonist, Meursault. Meursault is a detached and indifferent individual who refuses to conform to social norms or moral codes. He lives his life in the present moment and accepts the absurdity of existence without complaint.

Here are some specific examples of absurdism in The Stranger:

Meursault's indifference to the death of his mother.
Meursault's lack of emotion at his own trial and execution.
Meursault's inability to explain why he killed the Arab man.
The oppressive heat and sunlight of Algeria.
Meursault's longing for the sea and the beach.

Camus's novel suggests that the absurd is not something to be feared or avoided, but rather something to be embraced. By accepting the absurdity of life, we can live more authentically and honestly.

How does Meursault's character change and develop over the course of the novel?

Meursault's character changes and develops over the course of the novel in a number of ways.

Initially, Meursault is portrayed as a detached and indifferent individual. He shows little emotion at the death of his mother, and he commits murder without any apparent motive. He is also indifferent to his own fate, and he calmly accepts his death sentence.

However, as Meursault spends time in prison and awaits his execution, he begins to reflect on his life and his choices. He comes to realize that he has been living in a kind of self-imposed exile, and he begins to long for connection and meaning.

In the final pages of the novel, Meursault has a moment of realization. He accepts the absurdity of life, but he also resolves to live it to the fullest. He says:

"But in that moment I knew that I had been right, and that in a way nothing had changed. There was still the sun beating down on me, and the world was still the same as it had always been. And all that mattered was that I was alive."

Meursault's character development is one of the most complex and compelling aspects of The Stranger. Camus shows us how even the most detached and indifferent individual can be transformed by the experience of suffering and loss.

Here are some specific examples of Meursault's character development over the course of the novel:

At the beginning of the novel, Meursault is indifferent to the death of his mother. However, as he spends time in prison and awaits his execution, he begins to reflect on her death and to regret his lack of emotion.
At the beginning of the novel, Meursault is also indifferent to his own fate. However, as he comes to terms with the absurdity of life, he resolves to live it to the fullest.
At the beginning of the novel, Meursault is detached from other people. However, as he spends time in prison, he begins to long for connection and meaning. He develops a close friendship with his cellmate, and he comes to appreciate the beauty of the natural world.

Meursault's character development is a testament to Camus's skill as a writer. Camus shows us how even the most detached and indifferent individual can be transformed by the experience of suffering and loss.

How does Camus use symbolism and imagery to convey his philosophical ideas?
Camus uses symbolism and imagery extensively in The Stranger to convey his philosophical ideas. Some of the key symbols and images in the novel include:

The sun and the heat: The sun and the heat are often associated with the absurdity of life. Meursault's murder of the Arab man, for example, takes place on a hot and sunny day.
The sea and the beach: The sea and the beach are associated with Meursault's longing for freedom. Meursault is often drawn to the beach, where he feels most alive and at peace.
The Arab man: The Arab man is a symbol of the Other. He is someone who is different from Meursault, and he is therefore a threat to Meursault's sense of self.
The crucifix: The crucifix is a symbol of Christianity, which stands in opposition to Camus's absurdist world view. The magistrate waves a crucifix in front of Meursault during his trial, but Meursault rejects it.

Here are some specific examples of how Camus uses symbolism and imagery to convey his philosophical ideas in The Stranger:

The opening scene of the novel describes Meursault's mother's funeral. The flowers at the funeral are a symbol of death and mourning. However, the flowers also symbolize the beauty of life. This contrast between death and life is one of the central themes of the novel.
The cigarette that Meursault smokes before his execution is a symbol of his defiance and his refusal to conform to social norms.
The priest who visits Meursault in prison is a symbol of Christianity. However, the priest is also a symbol of the hypocrisy and intolerance of society.

Camus's use of symbolism and imagery is one of the things that makes The Stranger such a timeless and powerful novel. His symbols and images are universal and resonate with readers of all backgrounds. They help us to understand the complex and often contradictory nature of human existence.

What is the significance of the French colonial presence in Algeria to the novel?

The French colonial presence in Algeria is significant to The Stranger in a number of ways.

First, the novel is set in Algeria during the French colonial period, and Meursault, the protagonist, is a French Algerian. Meursault's detachment from society and his indifference to the Arab man he kills can be seen as a reflection of the colonial mentality that prevailed in Algeria at the time.

Second, the novel explores the ways in which colonialism dehumanizes both the colonizer and the colonized. Meursault's trial, for example, is a sham. He is found guilty of murder and sentenced to death, not because he actually committed the crime, but because he is a European who killed an Arab.

Third, the novel also explores the violence that can erupt in colonial situations. Meursault's murder of the Arab man is a senseless act of violence, but it is also a reflection of the violence that was endemic to colonial Algeria.

Camus's novel is a powerful critique of colonialism and its dehumanizing effects. It is also a reminder that violence is never the answer.

Here are some specific examples of the significance of the French colonial presence in Algeria to The Stranger:

Meursault is a French Algerian.
Meursault and his friends spend their free time at the beach, which is a symbol of French colonial privilege.
The Arab man that Meursault kills is never given a name, which dehumanizes him.
Meursault's trial is a sham, and he is sentenced to death because he is a European who killed an Arab.
The novel explores the violence that was endemic to colonial Algeria.

How has "The Stranger" been received by critics and scholars over the years?

Here are some specific examples of how The Stranger has been received by critics and scholars over the years:

The novel was praised by critics such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir.
The novel was criticized by critics such as François Mauriac and Gabriel Marcel.
The novel has been translated into over 50 languages and has sold over 50 million copies.
The novel has been adapted into several films and television shows, including a 1967 film directed by Luchino Visconti.
The novel has been used to explore a wide range of topics, including the nature of morality, the meaning of life, and the challenges of living in an absurd world.

The Stranger is a complex and challenging novel, but it is also a deeply rewarding one. It is a novel that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.