The Absurd Hero: Exploring the Existential Philosophy of Albert Camus

Quotes of The Stranger book

1. "Mother died today. Or maybe yesterday; I can't be sure."
2. "I opened myself to the gentle indifference of the world."
3. "I had only to wish that there be a large crowd of spectators the day of my execution and that they greet me with cries of hate."
4. "I felt that I had been happy and that I was happy again."
5. "In our society, any man who doesn't cry at his mother's funeral is liable to be condemned to death."
6. "There is no such thing as a natural death: nothing that happens to a man is ever natural, since his presence calls the world into question."
7. "I explained to him, however, that my nature was such that my physical needs often got in the way of my feelings."
8. "I was sure I felt my heart harden within me."
9. "But what does one do with the dead, Monsieur?"
10. "Men are condemned to death because they have never lived, but to live is to be aware, joyously, drunkenly, serenely, divinely aware."

The Stranger book summary

"The Stranger" is a philosophical novel written by Albert Camus. The story is set in 1940s Algiers, French Algeria, and revolves around the life of Meursault, a detached and indifferent man who feels no emotions or attachment to others.

The narrative begins with Meursault receiving news of his mother's death. Rather than showing grief or sadness, Meursault appears unemotional during the funeral and seems unaffected by the loss. He continues with his daily routines, engaging in casual relationships and participating in mundane activities.

As the story progresses, Meursault becomes entangled in a series of events that shape the course of his life. He befriends his neighbor Raymond, who involves him in a violent altercation with an Arab man. Meursault ultimately shoots and kills the Arab on a beach in a moment of intense heat and confusion.

During the subsequent trial, Meursault's character is put on trial just as much as the crime he committed. The prosecutor and society focus on his lack of emotions and detachment, turning it into a cause for condemnation. Meursault is found guilty and sentenced to death.

Throughout the novel, Meursault's existential nihilism becomes apparent. He acknowledges that life has no inherent meaning or purpose, and he continuously rejects societal norms and expectations. His outward indifference and refusal to conform contribute to his alienation from society.

"The Stranger" delves into themes of alienation, absurdity, and the futility of existence. It raises questions about the nature of man's existence and the search for meaning in an indifferent world.

In the final pages of the novel, Meursault finds solace in accepting the inevitability of death and embraces his own execution. He even dreams of a crowd cheering his death, suggesting a strange satisfaction in his own demise.

Overall, "The Stranger" offers a poignant exploration of existentialism and the consequences of defying societal norms. It remains a cornerstone of existential literature, confronting readers with the ultimate absurdity of the human condition.

What is the irony in The Stranger?

1. The central irony in the book is that the protagonist, Meursault, becomes more alive and aware of the world around him after committing a senseless murder and going through a trial. Despite being sentenced to death, Meursault rejects the comforting lies and illusions of society by embracing the absurdity of life.
2. Meursault's lack of emotional expression and indifference towards social conventions presents an ironic contrast to the highly emotional and judgmental society in which he lives. Despite being condemned for his indifference towards his mother's death, Meursault is actually the only character who fully accepts the finality and inevitability of death.
3. The trial itself is filled with irony. Meursault is not on trial for the murder he committed but for his perceived lack of empathy and emotional response to the death of his mother. The trial focuses more on his character and lack of conformity to societal norms rather than the actual crime.
4. The hot and oppressive weather throughout the book, present during both the murder and the trial, serves as a metaphorical irony. The intense heat signifies the tension and emotional turmoil within the society, while Meursault, who feels unaffected by the heat, stands in stark contrast.
5. The priest who visits Meursault in prison is ironically trying to save Meursault's soul, even though Meursault has fully accepted his impending execution and rejects the idea of an afterlife or God.