Albert Camus's 'The Stranger' delves into the life of Meursault, a man indifferent to societal norms and emotional engagement. His actions, including the murder of an Arab man, lead to a trial that critiques society's moral judgments. The novel embodies the philosophy of absurdism, questioning the search for meaning in an indifferent universe and challenging societal and religious conventions.
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Meursault's lack of emotional response to his mother's death highlights his detachment from societal norms
Relationship with Marie
Meursault's apathy is evident in his relationship with Marie, as he shows no interest in marriage or her feelings
Aiding His Neighbor Raymond
Meursault's lack of moral judgment is seen when he helps his neighbor Raymond, who is involved in questionable activities
Meursault's inexplicable act of shooting and killing an Arab man on the beach becomes the catalyst for his arrest and trial
The trial serves as a commentary on society's need to rationalize and moralize behavior, conflicting with Meursault's absurdist perspective
The prosecution paints Meursault as a monster, using his lack of emotion at his mother's funeral as evidence of his inhumanity
The courtroom, representing societal order, stands in contrast to Meursault's absurdist perspective, leading to his conviction and death sentence
Meursault's rejection of societal norms and values highlights his alienation from society
Meursault finds no comfort in religion or personal relationships, considering them to be arbitrary and unable to provide genuine meaning
Meursault's passionate rejection of the prison chaplain's attempt to convert him to religious faith reinforces his stance against societal and religious conventions
The oppressive heat during Meursault's mother's funeral and the day of the murder symbolizes the external forces he perceives as hostile
The crucifix represents the societal and religious structures that Meursault rejects
Camus's straightforward prose, delivered through Meursault's first-person narration, reflects the protagonist's simple and unaffected view of the world, emphasizing his detachment
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Publication year of 'The Stranger'
1942
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Narrative perspective in 'The Stranger'
First person narration
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Meursault's reaction at mother's funeral
Displays no expected emotions
