The Stranger (L'Étranger) by Albert Camus is a classic existential novel that explores themes of absurdity, detachment, and the search for meaning in an indifferent universe. Published in 1942, the story follows Meursault, a French-Algerian man who lives a life of emotional indifference and detachment from society's norms.
The novel begins with the death of Meursault's mother, to which he reacts with apparent apathy. His disconnection from societal expectations is further highlighted when he commits a senseless murder on a sun-drenched beach, shooting an Arab man for no clear reason. The second half of the novel deals with his trial, where the court is less concerned with the crime itself and more with Meursault's character and his lack of emotional conformity, such as not showing grief over his mother’s death.
Through Meursault’s experiences, Camus delves into his philosophy of the absurd—the idea that life has no inherent meaning, and that humans must come to terms with this by creating their own values and embracing the present. Meursault’s existential journey, particularly in the face of his impending execution, challenges readers to question societal conventions, morality, and the human desire for meaning in a chaotic and indifferent world.
The Stranger is often seen as one of the defining works of 20th-century existentialism, and Camus’ sparse, direct writing style amplifies the novel's themes of alienation and absurdity.
