The use of existentialism in Albert Camus` book `The Stranger`

The use of existentialism in Albert Camus book The Stranger

The novel , The Stranger ' written by Albert Camus is at once a portrayal of both the

discovery and the consequences of life 's choices . In the first case the discovery , Camus portrays the protagonist as a man vacant of meaning . Monsieur Meursault works and lives alone . He is notified that his mother , who lives in a rest-home , has died . Meursault appears devoid of an emotional response . He attends the funeral and follows the socially accepted procedure but fails to employ any of

the attendant emotional responses normal to the human experience . Further discovery is evidenced by Meursault 's introspection . As he considers first weather to marry an old acquaintance , Marie Cardona , only because she ask and he likes having sex with her . Meursault gives consideration to the proposition and agrees . They become engaged , and yet , he still is devoid of the normal set of emotions which usually accompany an engagement When he is asked by Marie , his new fiancye , if he would have said yes to a proposal of any other girl , at least one he liked like he liked her he answered , Naturally ' Later in the book , while Meursault is in prison for killing the brother of a girlfriend of Raymond , his friend he `discovers ' his own personal disregard for any meaning of life . The discovery s him . It relieves him from the personal struggle he has had in sorting out his behavior and the behavior of others . The process of discovery is one of the main points of the novel . It , in reality , is an examination of the social set of emotions , commitments and faiths which drive our society , indeed which drive our lives , both individually and collectively

The concept of consequences is at first dismissed by Meursault . Both at the funeral when he does not accept the overtures of the priest and later when he accepts the proposal of Raymond , a friend who asks him to write a letter in his defense , he does so without comment or commitment The act of being drawn into the world of Raymond , a pimp , would normally give one pause , but not so with Meursault . Camus uses the thoughts of Meursault as a commentary on both society and on the meaning of life in general . In all cases , Meursault does not look forward . He lacks the interest . Not the ability , nor the intelligence but any interest in producing meaning or values in his life 's experiences . The consequences issue is further explored as Meursault goes further down the path of complicacy . He shoots the brother of Raymond 's girlfriend without cause and without emotional involvement . In any case , Meursault does not consider the consequences of his actions . As the story develops , the reader can see that Meursault is devoid or belief in regulations . He conforms only when it is necessary to meet his needs . For example he agrees to marry because he likes Marie although he admits that he would have...