Part I of the The Stranger by Albert Camus

Based on the theory of the absurd , The Stranger , by Albert Camus , is arguably one of the most widely interpreted works because of the complex themes that it embodies . The main character , Meursault , is the living epitome of the meaninglessness of human existence . The seemingly detached and impassionate manner by which he contemplates the predicament that he is in belies the nature of his imprisonment . As Albert Camus launches into his philosophy of the absurd , one can also see many different themes emerge . One such theme is that of freedom

While the

concept of freedom can clearly be seen in contrast with his subsequent imprisonment , there are specific instances at the beginning of the story which reveal a certain emotional detachment . At the funeral of his mother , Muersault acts in manner that is unusual for one who attends his mother 's wake . There is no respect that is shown and this is again manifested in his offer to write the love letter , stating that he has no reason not to torture the ex-lover of Raymond . As such from these events , it can be seen that Freedom as a concept does not speak of confinement behind physical walls but rather Freedom from emotion , detachment

The freedom that surfaces as one of the themes in this story comes from the understanding of Meursault of the realities in his life . His seeming detachment from the emotional tendencies of human existence and his realization of the meaninglessness of life show that there are no...