Thoughts on "The Stranger" by Albert Camus

Summary

In this video, the speaker reviews Albert Camus' *The Stranger*, reflecting on its detached narrative style and themes of existentialism and apathy. Drawing comparisons to *The Catcher in the Rye* and *The Perks of Being a Wallflower*, the speaker discusses the protagonist's indifferent perspective on life and death. They explore how Camus' exploration of the absurd resonates with their own views on the futility of existence. The video also includes a personal update about the speaker's acceptance into grad school in Scotland to study creative writing, sharing their excitement and nervousness about the future.

Takeaways

• 😀 The narrator compares 'The Stranger' by Albert Camus to other works like 'The Catcher in the Rye' and 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower,' noting the similar detached, observational narrative style.
• 😀 The narrator prefers first-person narratives because they allow a deeper connection with the character's thoughts and feelings, despite some people disliking this style.
• 😀 The narrator explains that 'The Stranger' is a short classic novel, just 123 pages, making it a quick read while still being deeply impactful.
• 😀 The novel centers on an ordinary man drawn into a senseless murder, leading to an exploration of existential themes like life's meaninglessness and the absurd.
• 😀 The narrator is fascinated by translated books and how the translation process can change the tone and experience of the story, referencing differences between British and American English translations of 'The Stranger.'
• 😀 The protagonist in 'The Stranger' is emotionally detached, even when faced with the death of his own mother, showcasing apathy and indifference.
• 😀 The novel's writing is stark and simplistic, with the protagonist often reflecting on the absurdity of life, death, and the meaning (or lack thereof) in the world.
• 😀 The narrator shares a thought-provoking excerpt about a man being killed by his own family, which highlights the randomness and cruelty of life, mirroring the protagonist's worldview.
• 😀 'The Stranger' critiques societal norms and the judicial system, as the protagonist is judged based on qualities that are supposed to be virtuous but are used against him in the trial.
• 😀 The narrator reflects on the idea that death is inevitable and that when it happens doesn’t matter. What matters is how we live in the meantime, connecting this philosophy to personal experiences and broader existential thoughts.
• 😀 The narrator ties the apathy in 'The Stranger' to similar themes found in 'The Catcher in the Rye' and other literature, noting that this style of existential reflection has been influential across generations.
• 😀 The narrator is preparing for a major life change: moving to Scotland to attend the University of Edinburgh for a creative writing program. They express both excitement and nervousness about the transition.

Q & A

What is the main theme explored in Albert Camus' *The Stranger* according to the speaker?

The main theme explored is the existential philosophy of apathy and the absurdity of life. The protagonist, Meursault, views life with detachment and indifference, which reflects Camus' ideas about the meaninglessness of existence and the randomness of events.

How does the speaker connect *The Stranger* to other works like *The Catcher in the Rye* and *The Perks of Being a Wallflower*?

The speaker compares the narrative style of *The Stranger* to that of *The Catcher in the Rye*, noting a shared first-person, introspective perspective. Both narrators exhibit a sense of detachment from their own lives, viewing the world as indifferent observers, which resonates with the speaker’s personal preferences for this narrative style.

What did the speaker learn from reading *The Stranger* that aligns with their own philosophical views?

The speaker finds resonance with Meursault's worldview, particularly the idea that life is ultimately meaningless and that death is inevitable regardless of when it occurs. The speaker uses this idea as a comforting thought during difficult times, emphasizing the insignificance of individual hardships in the broader scope of life.

What personal connection does the speaker have to first-person narration in literature?

The speaker expresses a strong preference for first-person narration because it allows them to be 'right in the mind' of the character, experiencing the story directly. They feel a closer connection to characters when the narrative is told from their point of view.

How does the speaker feel about the updated English translation of *The Stranger*?

The speaker appreciates the newer American English translation of *The Stranger*, noting that it is more straightforward and closer to the original French text compared to the older British English translation, which they feel adds unnecessary complexity.

What does the speaker find interesting about the death of Meursault's mother in *The Stranger*?

The speaker highlights Meursault's detached reaction to his mother's death, which sets the tone for the entire book. His indifferent statement that he 'probably did love his mom, but that didn’t mean anything' illustrates his emotional detachment and the existential theme of life's inherent meaninglessness.

How does the speaker interpret Meursault’s trial and the absurdity of the legal process in *The Stranger*?

The speaker notes that Meursault's trial seems absurd, with trivial details like the time of day the verdict is announced or the fact that the verdict could have been different. These details emphasize the randomness and lack of meaning in the judicial system, aligning with the book's larger theme of life's absurdity.

What philosophical concept does the speaker connect to Meursault’s view on death?

The speaker connects Meursault’s view on death to existentialism, particularly the idea that death is inevitable and ultimately meaningless. Meursault’s acceptance that life ends in death, regardless of when it happens, mirrors the speaker’s own reflections on life’s impermanence.

What significance does the speaker place on the journey of studying creative writing in Edinburgh?

The speaker is excited about pursuing creative writing in Edinburgh, especially because it offers the opportunity to focus on their own writing, something they have neglected while reading other authors. This is a crucial step for the speaker, as they want to move beyond just reading and start actively creating their own work.

How does the speaker feel about the feedback they will receive on their creative writing?

The speaker expresses nervousness about receiving feedback on their writing, as it is something they find difficult to handle. However, they recognize that it is a necessary part of growing as a writer, and they are determined to embrace it during their time in grad school.