The Stranger Themes
The main themes in The Stranger are absurdity, colonialism, and free will.
- Absurdity: Meursault’s struggle reflects Camus’s broader philosophical concerns about the apparent absurdity of existence. The fundamental forces that influence events remain mysterious.
- Colonialism: The novel takes place in French-colonized Algeria, where the tensions between citizens of French and Algerian ancestries figure in the plot’s turning point.
- Free will: Meursault’s lack of religious engagements arises as a central concern in the novel’s second half. Meursault experiences this secularism as a kind of freedom, and yet he is, in a literal sense, imprisoned.
Themes: All Themes
Themes: Absurdity
Absurdity is a philosophical notion that often emerges when someone is jolted from their repetitive routine. Camus discusses this in “An Absurd Reasoning” from his essay collection The Myth of Sisyphus:
The stage sets sometimes crumble. Daily routines like waking up, commuting, spending hours at the office or factory, eating, commuting again, working, dining, sleeping, and repeating this cycle from Monday to Saturday are usually followed...(Read more)
Themes: Colonialism
There are no definitive signs indicating that the novel is set in a colonized nation. However, subtle hints suggest racial tensions between French-Algerians and "Arabs." From the very beginning, readers are informed that the novel takes place in Algeria and was released in 1942, hinting at a colonial backdrop. The narrator further implies racial tension by depicting the story as if it occurs solely among a group of French individuals residing in...
(Read more)Themes: Free Will
While many people naturally assume the existence of free will, its depiction in The Strangeris quite unsettling. Meursault consistently recognizes his own freedom of will. Although this might sometimes seem like apathy, Meursault is undeniably, even starkly, free. He doesn't feel the need to complicate his reasoning with beliefs or doctrines. For example, he never feels anxious and often checks in on his physical state, noting his hunger, health,...
(Read more)Themes: The Absurd
The Stranger, along with The Myth of Sisyphus (1955; Le Mythe de Sisyphe, 1942), represents Camus's deep exploration of the absurd. Camus described it as an “exercise in objectivity, the impersonal working out of the logical results of the philosophy of the absurd.” In Camus's philosophy from this era, life is fundamentally without meaning, and there is no prospect of it ever acquiring any. Without the notion of eternity, everything must be achieved...
(Read more)Themes: The Mediterranean Environment
Amidst this grim universe, Camus expresses a poetic appreciation for the Mediterranean setting of his youth. His description of the sunlight during the murder scene is lyrical, although some critics argue it contradicts the previously depicted absurd and indifferent world. The sea, with its sensuality, is vividly illustrated as Meursault and Marie swim, representing life and a means of escape. Camus ends the book on a lyrical note, with Meursault...
(Read more)Themes: Absurdism
In The Stranger, the theme of Absurdism is central to the narrative and the character of Meursault. Absurdism, a philosophy that suggests life is inherently meaningless and the universe indifferent, is embodied in Meursault's actions and outlook. He is detached from societal norms and expectations, showcasing a life lived without seeking inherent meaning or purpose. Through Meursault, Camus illustrates the conflict between humanity's desire for...
(Read more)Themes: Existentialism
Existentialism is a central theme in Albert Camus's novel, The Stranger. The protagonist, Meursault, embodies existentialist ideas through his detached and indifferent approach to life. Camus uses Meursault's experiences, particularly his reaction to his mother's death, his relationship with Marie, and his trial and execution, to explore the absurdity and meaninglessness of existence. The novel illustrates the existential belief that life lacks...
(Read more)Themes: Alienation
The theme of alienation is central to The Stranger. Meursault, the protagonist, experiences profound detachment from society and its norms. His indifference to social conventions and emotional events highlights his isolation. This alienation is not just personal but also reflects broader existential themes, questioning the meaning and significance of life.
Meursault's alienation is evident from the beginning, as he shows no emotion at his mother's...
(Read more)Themes: Indifference
Indifference is a central theme in Albert Camus's "The Stranger." The protagonist, Meursault, embodies a profound emotional detachment from the world around him. His indifferent attitude is evident in his response to significant life events, such as his mother's death, his relationship with Marie, and even his own crime of murder. This indifference challenges societal norms and highlights the absurdity of life, a key element in Camus's philosophy.
(Read more)Expert Q&A
Universal Themes in The Stranger by Albert Camus
Albert Camus's The Stranger explores themes of absurdity, existentialism, and alienation. The protagonist, Meursault, embodies existentialist ideals by living an authentic life despite societal norms, highlighting life's inherent meaninglessness. The novel also addresses human alienation, both personally and socially, as Meursault is detached from emotions and societal expectations. Camus uses a detached narrative style to reflect Meursault's indifference and the absurdity of existence, emphasizing the conflict between individuality and societal judgment in a colonial Algerian setting.
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