Albert Camus's literature classic, The Stranger (L’Etranger in the original French) is one of the most enduring and influential works of the 20th century. The novel, which was first published in 1942, offers an exploration of morality, alienation, and the idea that one's environment shapes his/her state of existence.
The Stranger tells the story of Meursault, an emotionally distant protagonist, who is profoundly affected by the death of his mother. He finds himself alienated by society and uninterested in everyday social conventions such as attending funerals and expressing emotion. Meursault's detachment from reality and his apathy towards those around him lead him to commit an act of violence – the murder of an Arab – in a state of confusion and unawareness. As the story progresses, Meursault is left to face the implications of his choice, and the severe punishment that it brings.
Camus uses Meursault as an example of an individual who does not conform to social norms and struggles to understand his actions in relation to the world around him. Despite his unfamiliarity with society's values and expectations, Meursault attempts to make sense of things from his own perspective, and it is by this means that he determines his own morality.
At the heart of this story there lies a philosophical argument – that of existentialism. Meursault is a representation of a figure who finds himself in an absurd world, where personal values are irrelevant. The indiscriminate nature of the social laws, and the lack of understanding he receives from his peers, leave him in an absurd life where morality does not exist. The absurd nature of the world served as a powerful catalyst for Camus to express his own personal philosophies through Meursault.
The Stranger provides a thought-provoking delve into the implications of an alienated life. This is an exploration of the power of environment to shape individual morality, and an examination of one's ability to make sense of things from his own perspective. The novel also serves as a reflection on the nature of existence, and a reminder of the importance of understanding one's place within the social system.
For a modern generation, The Stranger has become increasingly relevant in offering readers an indictment of human indifference and a reminder of the impact that our choices can have on ourselves and others. The timeless echoing image of Meursault's trial and its impact on him, is one that is sure to profoundly affect readers for years to come. The Stranger is a classic of 20th century literature, and a must-read for anyone seeking an exploration of alienation, social convention and morality.
