The Stranger | Albert Camus

Summary

In Albert Camus' 'The Stranger,' the protagonist Meursault's emotional detachment and indifference to societal norms lead to his tragic downfall. The novel explores themes of absurdism, the meaninglessness of life, and the irrationality of the universe. Meursault's refusal to conform or feign emotions results in his condemnation by society, highlighting the conflict between individual authenticity and societal expectations. The story culminates in Meursault's acceptance of life's absurdity and his own impending death, finding peace in the universe's indifference.

Takeaways

• 📚 **The Stranger** is a novel by Albert Camus that explores the philosophy of Absurdism through its narrative.
• 🧔 The protagonist, Meursault, is depicted as emotionally indifferent, reflecting the absurdist view of the human condition.
• 🌞 The novel's pivotal event, Meursault's murder of a man, is triggered by the sun's glare, illustrating the absurdity of life's events.
• 🔍 Meursault's lack of remorse and his candid responses in court highlight the societal struggle to reconcile with the irrational.
• 🌌 The themes of the novel include the importance of the physical world, the meaninglessness of human life, and the universe's irrationality.
• 🌡️ Meursault's physical discomfort, such as the heat during his mother's funeral, is more significant to him than the emotional aspects of the event.
• 🏆 The trial of Meursault is a microcosm of society's attempt to impose rationality on the absurd, showcasing the conflict between human desire for meaning and the universe's indifference.
• 💬 Meursault's sincerity and refusal to feign emotions contribute to his portrayal as a 'monster' in the eyes of society.
• ⚖️ His atheism and the societal perception of his lack of belief in God contribute to his condemnation, underscoring the absurdity of societal norms.
• 🔑 Meursault's eventual acceptance of life's meaninglessness and the inevitability of death lead to a form of happiness, embracing the 'gentle indifference of the world'.

Q & A

What is the title of the novel written by Albert Camus in 1942?

The title of the novel is 'L’Étranger', also known as 'The Stranger' or 'The Outsider'.

What philosophical concept is explored in 'The Stranger'?

The novel explores the philosophy of Absurdism, which is characterized by the conflict between the human tendency to seek inherent value and meaning in life and the human inability to find any in a purposeless, meaningless, and irrational universe.

Who is the protagonist of 'The Stranger'?

The protagonist of 'The Stranger' is Meursault, an indifferent French Algerian.

How does Meursault react to his mother's death in the novel?

Meursault shows emotional indifference and detachment towards his mother's death, declining to see her body in the coffin and returning to Algiers to live his life as usual.

What is the significance of Meursault's relationship with Marie in the novel?

Meursault's relationship with Marie, including his indifferent response to her questions about love and marriage, further illustrates his lack of emotional investment and his detached view on societal norms and expectations.

What event triggers the climactic moment in 'The Stranger'?

The climactic moment is triggered when Meursault kills an Arab man on a beach, an act that is involuntary and absurd, primarily driven by the discomfort of the sun and not by any personal animosity towards the man.

How does Meursault's lack of belief in God affect his trial in the novel?

Meursault's lack of belief in God leads to him being labeled as 'Monsieur Antichrist', and his refusal to feign remorse or adhere to societal expectations during the trial contributes to his perception as a monster and ultimately to his guilty verdict.

What does Meursault's experience in prison reveal about his character?

Meursault's experience in prison reveals his adaptability and acceptance of his circumstances. Despite the initial torment of isolation, he eventually adopts his mother's attitude that one can get used to anything, including prison life.

What are the major themes of 'The Stranger'?

The major themes of 'The Stranger' include the importance of the physical world, the meaninglessness of human life, and the irrationality of the universe. These themes are explored through Meursault's indifference to social and emotional aspects of life and his confrontation with the absurdity of his existence.

How does Meursault's view on death change towards the end of the novel?

Towards the end of the novel, Meursault comes to terms with the inevitability of death and realizes that all lives are equally meaningless. This acceptance of the 'gentle indifference of the world' leads him to find happiness in the absence of a greater meaning in human existence.

What does Camus mean when he says that Meursault is condemned because he does not 'play the game'?

Camus implies that Meursault is condemned by society because he refuses to conform to societal norms and expectations, such as showing grief at his mother's funeral. His nonconformity is seen as a threat, and he is punished for not adhering to the 'game' of social pretense.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Introduction to 'The Stranger' and Meursault's Indifference

The first paragraph introduces 'The Stranger', a novel by Albert Camus, which delves into the philosophy of Absurdism. The story follows Meursault, an indifferent French Algerian, whose emotional detachment is evident from the novel's opening lines about his mother's death. Meursault's actions, such as declining to see his mother's body and his subsequent engagement to Marie without any profound feelings, highlight his lack of societal norms and emotional depth. The climax occurs at a beach where Meursault kills a man under the strain of the sun's glare, an act devoid of malice but rather a response to his physical discomfort. This act leads to his arrest and societal judgment, where his lack of remorse and atheism label him as a 'stranger' to conventional human emotions and beliefs.

05:01

🌌 Themes of Absurdism and Meursault's Acceptance of the World's Indifference

The second paragraph explores the deeper themes of Absurdism in 'The Stranger', focusing on the physical world's importance, the meaninglessness of human life, and the universe's irrationality. Meursault's preoccupation with physical sensations over social or emotional ones exemplifies his character's embodiment of Absurdism. The universe's indifference is mirrored in Meursault's own, leading to his struggle with accepting the inevitability of his execution. His interactions with the Chaplain and his refusal to adopt a belief in God underscore his commitment to a meaningless, physical world. The trial and societal reaction to Meursault's actions represent the absurdity of trying to impose rationality on an irrational universe. However, Meursault finds happiness in accepting the universe's indifference, realizing that all lives are equally meaningless, and this acceptance leads to a form of peace and happiness as he reconciles with the world's 'gentle indifference'.

Keywords

💡Absurdism

Absurdism is a philosophical concept that emphasizes the inherent lack of meaning, purpose, or value in the universe. In the context of the video, it is central to Camus' philosophy and is exemplified through Meursault's experiences. His indifference to societal norms and the meaninglessness of his actions, such as his mother's death and his subsequent murder of a man, illustrate the absurdist perspective. The video suggests that life is inherently absurd, and Meursault's struggle to find meaning in a world that offers none is a core theme.

💡Meursault

Meursault is the protagonist of 'The Stranger' and serves as the embodiment of the absurdist philosophy. His emotional indifference and detached personality are highlighted from the beginning of the novel, as seen in his lack of reaction to his mother's death. Throughout the video, Meursault's actions and thoughts reflect the absurdist view that life is devoid of inherent meaning, and his eventual acceptance of this notion leads to his happiness despite his impending execution.

💡Indifference

Indifference is a recurring theme in the video and is a key characteristic of Meursault's personality. It is demonstrated through his lack of emotional response to significant life events, such as his mother's funeral and his engagement to Marie. This indifference is a reflection of the absurdist belief that the universe is indifferent to human concerns, and it is through this lens that Meursault's actions and the novel's themes are understood.

💡Isolation

Isolation is a concept that is explored in the video through Meursault's experiences in prison. His separation from the natural world, women, and cigarettes represents the human condition's inherent isolation in an indifferent universe. This isolation is a manifestation of the absurd, as it highlights the disconnect between human desires for connection and the universe's lack of concern for those desires.

💡Authenticity

Authenticity is a concept that refers to the state of being true to one's own personality, feelings, and desires. In the video, Meursault's authenticity is highlighted by his refusal to lie or pretend to feel emotions he does not. His honesty about his lack of grief at his mother's funeral and his candid response to why he killed the Arab are examples of his commitment to authenticity, which is a central theme in the exploration of the absurd.

💡Irrationality

Irrationality in the video refers to the lack of logical or rational order in the universe and human life. It is a key aspect of the absurdist worldview, as it contrasts with the human tendency to seek meaning and reason. Meursault's actions, such as killing a man due to the discomfort of the sun, are irrational and defy the societal expectation of logical motivation, thus embodying the absurd.

💡Physical World

The physical world is a significant theme in the video, as it represents the tangible aspects of existence that Meursault finds more compelling than the social or emotional. The heat during his mother's funeral and the sun's glare on the beach are physical experiences that affect him more profoundly than the abstract concepts of death or murder. This focus on the physical world underscores the absurdist view that human life is devoid of inherent meaning.

💡Meaninglessness

Meaninglessness is a core concept in the video, reflecting the absurdist belief that life lacks inherent purpose or value. Meursault's actions and the novel's events often highlight the absence of meaning, as seen in his indifferent response to his mother's death and his execution. The video suggests that the search for meaning in a meaningless universe is a futile endeavor, which is a central tenet of absurdism.

💡Judgment

Judgment is a theme in the video that represents society's attempt to impose rationality and morality on the irrational actions of individuals. Meursault's trial and the societal condemnation of his actions reflect the absurdity of trying to find reason and meaning in a universe that is indifferent to such constructs. The video uses judgment as a mechanism to explore the conflict between human desire for order and the absurd reality of life.

💡Inevitability of Death

The inevitability of death is a recurring motif in the video, serving as a reminder of the ultimate equalizer in human life. Meursault's acceptance of his own mortality and the realization that all lives are meaningless in the face of death lead to a form of happiness and peace. This acceptance is a key aspect of the absurdist philosophy, as it acknowledges the ultimate absurdity of existence while finding a way to live within it.

Highlights

The Stranger is a novel by Albert Camus that explores Absurdism.

The novel's protagonist, Meursault, displays emotional indifference and detachment.

Meursault's use of the child's word 'Maman' instead of 'Mother' signifies his emotional state.

Meursault's refusal to view his mother's body and his subsequent actions show his indifference to her death.

Meursault's engagement to Marie is marked by his lack of emotional investment.

The contrast between Meursault's neighbor's grief over a dog and Meursault's indifference highlights his detachment.

The climactic beach scene where Meursault kills a man is triggered by the sun's glare, not malice.

Meursault's arrest and imprisonment lead to his realization of the absurdity of human existence.

In prison, Meursault's struggle with isolation reflects the human condition in Absurdism.

Meursault's trial and the society's reaction to his lack of remorse underscore the absurdity of societal norms.

Meursault's atheism and the nickname 'Monsieur Antichrist' highlight the societal conflict with Absurdism.

Meursault's sincerity and refusal to feign emotions are central to the novel's exploration of authenticity.

His sentencing to death by guillotine exemplifies the Absurd's theme of inevitable death.

The major themes of the book include the importance of the physical world, the meaninglessness of life, and the universe's irrationality.

Meursault's focus on physical aspects over social or emotional ones is a key aspect of his character.

The irrationality of the universe is implicit in the novel, contrasting human desire for meaning with the universe's silence.

Society's attempt to impose rationality on Meursault's actions during his trial represents the struggle against the Absurd.

Camus's paradoxical summary of the novel highlights the societal punishment for non-conformity.

Meursault's eventual acceptance of the inevitability of death leads to a sense of happiness and harmony with the world.

The novel concludes with Meursault finding happiness in accepting the 'gentle indifference of the world'.

Transcripts

L’Étranger, The Stranger or The Outsider, is a 1942 novel by French author Albert Camus.

Though it is a work of fiction, it is often cited as an example of Camus’ philosophy

of Absurdism. The Stranger has had a profound impact on

millions of readers. Through the story of an ordinary man unwittingly drawn into a senseless

murder on an Algerian beach, Camus explored what he termed "the nakedness of man faced

with the absurd." Meursault, an indifferent French Algerian,

is the protagonist of The Stranger, to whom the novel’s title refers.

The novel begins: “Maman died today. Or yesterday maybe,

I don’t know. I got a telegram from the home: Mother deceased. Funeral tomorrow. Faithfully

yours. That doesn’t mean anything. Maybe it was yesterday.”

Right from the start, we can see Meursault’s emotional indifference and detached personality.

An aspect that is often lost in translation is that he uses the child’s word “Maman”,

literally “Mommy”, instead of the more adult “Mother”. Camus wrote in his notebooks

that: “the curious feeling the son has for his mother constitutes all his sensibility.”

Meursault is asked if he wants to see his mother who is sealed in the coffin. He declines

the offer. During the vigil, he drinks coffee and smokes cigarettes next to the coffin,

showing his indifference to his mother’s death.

That night, he happily arrives back in Algiers. The next day he goes to the beach for a swim.

There he runs into Marie, his former co-worker, they go watch a comedy at the movie theatre

that evening and spend the night together. Throughout the novel, Marie asks him if he

loves her, and he simply replies that: “it didn’t mean anything”, but probably not.

She also asks him if he wants to marry her, he replies indifferently but says that they

can get married if she wants to, so they become engaged.

Meursault has an encounter with one of his neighbours who curses and beats his mangy

dog. One day, he laments that his dog has run away and can be heard weeping in the night

longing for its return. This strong grief over someone losing his dog contrasts with

Meursault’s indifference at losing his mother. The climax of the novel takes part on a Sunday

trip to a beach house. “The sun was starting to burn my cheeks,

and I could feel drops of sweat gathering in my eyebrows. The sun was the same as it

had been the day I’d buried Maman, and like then, my forehead especially was hurting me,

all the veins in it throbbing under the skin. It was this burning which I couldn’t stand

anymore, that made me move forward. I knew that it was stupid, that I couldn’t get

the sun off me by stepping forward. But I took a step, one step, forward. And this time,

without getting up, the Arab drew his knife and held it up to me in the sun. The light

shot off the steel and it was like a long flashing blade cutting at my forehead […] My

whole being tensed and I squeezed my hand around the revolver. The trigger gave […] I

knew I had shattered the harmony of the day, the exceptional silence of a beach where I’d

been happy. 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 at the door of unhappiness.”

Meursault kills a man whom he did not know, an involuntary and absurd act. The sun merely

struck his knife, sweat was running in his eyes. From this moment he enters the world

of judgment. And the world of judgment is the discovery of man.

Meursault is arrested and thrown into jail. His lack of remorse over his crime, and, in

particular, his lack of grief at his mother’s funeral makes people think of him as a complete

stranger. In prison, he is tormented by the isolation

from nature, women, and cigarettes. “When I was first imprisoned, the hardest

thing was that my thoughts were still those of a free man. For example, I would suddenly

have the urge to be on a beach and to walk down to the water.”

He eventually adapts, sharing his mother’s attitude that “after a while, you could

get used to anything”. In the courtroom Meursault is seen as a monster

and people believe that the emptiness of his heart threatens to swallow up society.

His lack of belief in God, gives him the nickname “Monsieur Antichrist”.

Meursault is afflicted by the madness of sincerity, distinguished by his never wanting to say

more than he feels. When asked if he grieved at his mother’s burial, he neither admits

nor denies having grieved. It is this tenacious refusal, this fascination with the authenticity

of what one is and what one feels that gives meaning to the entire novel.

When asked why he had killed the Arab, he says that it was because of the sun.

People laugh at him. Eventually, he is found guilty and is sentenced to death by guillotine.

This shows one of the forms of the Absurd, a young man who wants to live but is condemned to die.

While waiting for his execution, he struggles

to come to terms with his situation, and he has trouble accepting the certainty and inevitability

of his fate. He is visited by the Chaplain who tries to make him renounce his atheism

and turn to God, but he refuses. Instead, he declares that he is correct in believing

in a meaningless, purely physical world. The major themes of the book include: the

importance of the physical world, the meaninglessness of human life and the irrationality of the universe.

Meursault is far more interested in the physical

aspects of the world than its social or emotional aspects.

For instance, the heat during the funeral procession causes him far more pain than the

thought of burying his mother. The sun on the beach torments Meursault, and during his

trial he even identifies his suffering under the sun as the reason he killed the Arab.

The second theme is the irrationality of the universe. Although the notion of the absurd

is not mentioned in the novel, it is implicit in it.

Which is best described as “the conflict between the human tendency to seek inherent

value and meaning in life, and the human inability to find any in a purposeless, meaningless,

and irrational universe with the ‘unreasonable silence’ of the universe in response.”

Trying to define this, is like water slipping through one's fingers.

However, this world in itself is not absurd, what is absurd is our relationship with the

universe, which is irrational. The absurd depends as much on man as on the world.

It is all that links them together. Thus, the universe and the human mind do not each separately

cause the Absurd, but rather, the Absurd arises by the contradictory nature of the two existing

simultaneously. Camus describes it as the conflict between

seeking meaning and the inability to find any in an indifferent universe.

The difficulty in accepting this notion drives people to constantly attempt to create a rational

structure and meaning in their lives. Society attempts to impose rational explanations

for Meursault’s irrational actions, as the idea that things happen for no reason or that

events have no meaning is disruptive and threatening to society.

The courtroom represents society’s attempt to manufacture rational order, trying to offer

explanations based on reason for Meursault’s unreasonable acts. The entire trial is therefore

an example of absurdity – an instance of humankind’s futile attempt to impose rationality

on an irrational universe. Camus wrote in 1955:

I summarised The Stranger a long time ago, with a remark I admit was highly paradoxical:

"In our society any man who does not weep at his mother's funeral runs the risk of being

sentenced to death." I only meant that the hero of my book is condemned

because he does not play the game.

In Absurdism, the only certain thing in life

is the inevitability of death, and, because all humans will eventually meet death, all

lives are equally meaningless. Meursault realises this towards the end of

the novel. Just as he is indifferent to much of the universe, so is the universe indifferent

to him. We are born into a world that was there before and will remain there after

we are gone. However, in this seemingly dismal realisation,

he is able to attain happiness. When he fully comes to terms with the inevitability of death,

he understands that it does not matter whether he dies by execution or lives to die a natural

death at an old age. “Since we are all going to die, it’s obvious

that when and how don’t matter.” Meursault starts to truly embrace the idea

that human existence holds no greater meaning. He abandons all hope for the future and accepts

the “gentle indifference of the world.” This acceptance makes him feel happy.

“For the first time, in that night alive with signs and stars, I opened to the gentle

indifference of the world. Finding it so much like myself – so like a brother, really –

I felt that I had been happy and that I was happy again.”