... an apparently irrational universe" (Wyatt 1). In the existentialist point of view, many things are absurd or irrational without explanation. Often, one feels a "suffocating sense of being enclosed by events which are irrational or absurd but also inexorable" (Bigelow 175). In The Stranger, Albert Camus uses Mersault and his experiences to convey the philosophy that man is full of anxiety and ... despair with no meaning in his life except for simple existence. The concept of existentialism is reflected through Mersault's experiences with ... seems to be welcoming his death as freedom fro...

• Word Count: 1242
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

In The Stranger Albert Camus develops Meursault as an existential hero, to encourage the idea of being different from normal society. Meursault is a deeply disturbed character that is unable to identify with not only people but also his surroundings. His peculiar attitude towards the world ends up labeling him as a stranger to society. Meursault cannot be defined as a traditional hero, but rather as a tragically absurd one. His outlook ... a huge crowd of spectators and that they should greet [him] with howls of execration" Instead of running from society and feeling tormented by it, as he is...

• Word Count: 766
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

... The Stranger Albert Camus wrote The Stranger during the Existentialist movement, which explains why the main character in the novel, Meursault, is characterized as detached and emotionless, two of the aspects of existentialism. In Meursault, Camus creates a character he intends his readers to relate to, because he creates characters placed in realistic situations. He wants the reader to form a changing, ambiguous opinion of Meursault. From what Meursault narrates to the reader in the novel, the ... died, but her death made no real impact on his life other than temporarily disturbing his ...

• Word Count: 1244
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

... "contrary to honor" (p 255). Yet, the murder of the Arab's cousin was so revolting that Daru believed he should be punished. Daru knew that he was in no position to decide the fate of this stranger. Only the Arab could make the decision as to whether he would pay for his crime. It is clear from reading this story that Albert Camus is an existentialist. He believes that ... every individual should have the freedom of choice and be responsible for one's own actions. I think the character of Daru is closely modeled after the author himself. By leaving the Arab to ... decide his fate, Daru...

• Word Count: 351
• Approx Pages: 1
• Grade Level: High School

... "The Stranger," is a novel by Albert Camus that was published in 1942. The novel is based on the life of Meursault – an Algerian who supposedly killed an Arab whom who he recognized while in French Algiers. Throughout the novel, Camus focuses strongly on the fundamental values of society, and how society tolerates people who do not conform to these values. Camus achieves this by incorporating aspects of existentialist philosophy in the novel ... . This is portrayed by creating an emphasis on the irrationality of the universe, and the importance of the physical world. These concepts cap...

• Word Count: 704
• Approx Pages: 3