The Stranger: One of Camus' Best Novels

  

 

 

 

The Stranger by Albert Camus has to be one of my favorite novels by Camus. The story takes place in French Algeria. It follows Meursault, who is both the protagonist and narrator. The story opens with Meursault hearing the news on his mother's passing. His reaction is rather unusual, as he seems emotionally detached and rather indifferent, even at her funeral. This would become a recurring theme throughout the novel as Meursault shows a strong indifference to social norms. The day following his mother's funeral, he gets into a romantic relationship with Marie, his former coworker. Around this time, he befriends Raymond, his neighbor. Raymond explains to Meursault that he suspects that his girlfriend is being unfaithful. This leads to Raymond getting Meursault to write a letter to his girlfriend that would end up hurting her emotionally. 

This quickly backfires on both of them when they run into the girl's brother during a group outing. Initially, Raymond gets slashed by the brother who quickly disappears after the incident. But he is spotted again by Meursault on the beach. Meursault ends up shooting the man, not out of revenge, seemingly for no apparent reason. During the explanation of this encounter, Meursault explains how the situation had no inherent meaning to him, that it wouldn't matter if he pulled the trigger or not. 

As a result of this, the story then focuses on Meursault's trial. Throughout his trial, he continues to show no feeling as he makes his existentialist philosophy clear. As Meursualt shows no remorse for the crime he committed, it further illustrates his strong indifference to social norms. 

I liked how this story not only poses questions about morality, but an individual's place in the world. It was also all through the lens of Meursault, so the reader can have more insight on his thought processes. Meursault's emotional detachment and indifference will maybe leave you wondering, but it only helps further illustrate his existentialist philosophy. That's what I really enjoy about this story in particular. And like all of Camus' novels, it leaves me pondering these many questions about human consciousness.

- Asmara