The Stranger

The Stranger is famous for its themes of existentialism and absurdism. Existentialism is a school of philosophy that attempts to deal with the dread or anxiety brought about by a seemingly uncaring and meaningless world. The search for purpose or meaning in an uncaring universe is a key element of existentialism, and it emerges as a key theme of The Stranger, though Camus did not consider the book an existentialist novel. Absurdism, an extension of existentialism, holds that pursuing meaning and order where none exists incites conflict between the individual and the universe. In the absurdist view, accepting this meaninglessness is the only way to attain happiness and purpose. The protagonist Meursault rejects society’s expectations and concludes that life lacks any real meaning. In this respect, he becomes the embodiment of the text’s philosophical themes.

Meursault exists without any real connection to the world, just as he is an observer who lacks any investment in his relationships. He barely sees his mother, he refuses to commit to Marie, and his friends and neighbors hardly know him at all. Meursault’s idea of fun is sitting on his balcony and watch the rest of the world go by.