The idea of existentialism is used throughout the literary work The Stranger by Albert Camus to expose the true self and cold nature of human beings, contrary of Camus’ original writing style of absurdism to show Mersault’s realization of the meaningless of human life. In any instanceThe Strangerprice reductions both the value of any workss and the hope of internal felicity based on a belief of divinity. Study for free with our range of university lectures! Meursault exhibits a complete and utter indifference to life manifested by a profound lack of emotion. A majority of the book made me feel like the rest of society, which was not accepting Meursault’s behavior. Herbert Marcuse criticized existentialism, especially in Sartre’s Being and Nothingness, for projecting certain features of living in a modern, oppressive society, such as anxiety and meaninglessness, onto the nature of existence itself: “In so far as Existentialism is a philosophical doctrine, it remains an idealistic doctrine: it hypothesizes specific historical conditions of human existence into ontological and metaphysical characteristics. A significant event from the novel would be when the magistrate in the story brings out his crucifix and revealed it to the protagonist, Meursault. Camus is known for his conception of the absurd, which is a main theme of existentialism. In conclusion Meursault portrays many existentialist characteristics and actions throughout the literary work and it can be inferred that The Stranger was an existentialist novel when his writing style was one of an Absurdist. I was just afraid, which was only natural.” (Camus, 116) Meursault rejects the chaplain’s offer telling him that he has no interest in God. The five kinds of self-knowledge, according to Ulric Neisser, are: the […], The passage taken from “The Comfort of Strangers “by Ian McEwan essentially describes the want of two sisters Eva and Maria to look beautiful and furthermore the denial of their […], During the interactive oral, we discussed the main theme of the meaninglessness of human life that is present in The Stranger by Albert Camus. Meursault’s speech, thought, and actions are what Camus believed a person who innately possessed the tenets of existentialism would have. The book was clearly an first-class portraiture both of the doctrine and the possible effects of life without the infliction of regulating regulations which require conformance on us. Disclaimer: This is an example of a student written essay.Click here for sample essays written by our professional writers. Albert Camus The Stranger: Existentialism and Absurdism Essay Free Articles Existentialism is a doctrine that emphasizes the singularity and isolation of the single experience in a hostile or apathetic existence. level of absurdism to the next level so it can really be seen. Albert Camus, being the polarized man that he was, held more firmly to the belief of Absurdism than existentialism. Abstract : Albert Camus’s present novel The Stranger widely considered as the true representation of his philosophical movement Existentialism and Absurdity. While Absurdist might seem like a synonym for Existentialism, the two are slightly different. In any case Meursault decided to shoot him. When the time came for Meursault had accepted his death. In the realist novel, The Stranger, contains powerful fullness of the idea of existentialism and absurdist philosophy. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. These, as well as many other incidents and events in Camus’ life influenced him in the sense that they formed in him a bleak, pessimistic view of life. Absurdism says that the universe is chaotic and unpredictable; therefore, the individual has ultimate freedom. Existentialism is a philosophy that emphasizes a few main points, such as the freedom to choose and how the choices you make should be made without the assistance of another person or standard. Reference this. It is shown by Meursault, his acceptance, when he In his story “The Things They Carried”, Tim O’Brien, enlightens the reader with the many faces and emotions of men. Figuratively he is condemned to death and awaiting execution, is a metaphor for the human condition. Camus does a great job in the first part of the novel of demonstrating to the reader not only the philosophy of existentialism, but a corporal representation of it as well. Ironically, it is only the thought of imminent death that leads Meursault to acknowledge anything like meaning or importance in life. The Stranger is, above all else, an absurdist novel. *You can also browse our support articles here >. "Maman died today or yesterday maybe, I don't know". And humans do in fact possess the innate desire, or rather compulsion, to explain things and have things figured out-thus explaining their need to associate a purpose with the universe, even when it doesn’t necessarily exist. “The Meaning of Life.” 2004. Existentialism is a philosophy that emphasizes a number of points, such as the freedom to choose and the choices and individual makes should be made without the consent of another person or standard. In writing The Stranger, Albert Camus championed the idea of existentialism, a philosophy he truly believed in it. VAT Registration No: 842417633. Under the larger umbrella of existentialism, Absurdism is a concept that stresses individual freedom, happiness and the essential meaninglessness of the world . Translated by Joris De Bres. “If there is a sin against life, it consists perhaps not so much in despairing of life as in hoping for another life and in eluding the implacable grandeur of this life.” The point illuminated in this quote by Camus is that although some consider viewing life with despair to be wrong, or sinful, in reality hoping for an after life, “another life”, or living a life of implacable grandeur is the real sin. In conclusion Meursault portrays many existentialist characteristics and actions throughout the literary work and it can be inferred that The Stranger was an existentialist novel … Absurdism goes a step further to say that not only is life purposeless, but any attempt at finding meaning is utterly absurd. This is a question that naturally protrudes throughout the novel, as it is not abundantly clear […], Existentialism is a philosophy that emphasizes the uniqueness and isolation of the individual experience in a hostile or indifferent universe, regards human existence as unexplainable, and stresses freedom of choice […]. Meursault is an absurd hero figuratively and literally. This corporal representation of existentialism is what makes The Stranger the unique book it is. The answer from The Stranger to these questions is a categorical "No." 6.White, Ray. Houghton Mifflin Company, 2004. Our academic experts are ready and waiting to assist with any writing project you may have. Special offer for LiteratureEssaySamples.com readers. These opening lines of the novel serve not only to introduce the novel but to summarize it as well. I admitted I hadn’t and inquired whether it was really necessary to have one.” (Camus, 63) Meursault didn’t understand why he would need an attorney for his case because it was simple to him, he had murdered a man and was now ready to pay his action. Meursault passes no judgment on people and is ultimate executed for killing an Arab for no apparent reason. Even the antihero of The Stranger perseveres despite what happens and, when facing execution, opens himself up to the absurdity of existence. Neither the external world in which Meursault lives nor the internal world of his thoughts and attitudes possesses any rational order. This philosophy is essentially the crux of the novel The Stranger as Meursault, the indifferent and apathetic main character, embodies the tenets of existentialism intrinsically. English Literature He has no hope or purpose in his life. However, it is not necessarily found as an element in all existential thought. N.p., n.d. Existentialism thus becomes part of the very ideology which it attacks, and its radicalism is illusory” What Marcuse is saying here is that existentialism makes the mistake of thinking that just because human conditions are tragic and seem to lack a purpose, that they in fact do. In writing The Stranger, Albert Camus championed the idea of existentialism, a philosophy he truly believed in it. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Essay on Albert Camus The Stranger: Existentialism and Absurdism Existentialism is a philosophy that emphasizes the uniqueness and isolation of the individual experience in a hostile or indifferent universe, regards human existence as unexplainable, and stresses freedom of choice and responsibility for the consequences of one's acts. Absurdist goes a step further to say that not only is life purposeless, but any attempt at finding meaning is utterly absurd. We emphasized mainly on Meursault’s detached […], Is there truly any justice in the novel The Stranger, written by Albert Camus? This perspective undoubtedly set the foundation for his adoption of the theory of existentialism. During the second beach fight when Meursault shoots the Arab with Raymond’s gun one of the Arabs draws his knife and holds it up to Meursault, Meursault isn’t bothered by the Arab’s threatening action, it was the light from the sun that reflected into his eyes along with the intense heat that was bothering him “The scorching blade slashed at my eyelashes and stabbed at my stinging eyes.” (Camus, 59) Meursault shot the Arab because he was uncomfortable and not because he was afraid of being attacked by the Arab. Existentialists accept the perils and consequences of their choices and actions then keep their commitment to wherever it leads. The reason is the tragedy and devastation the world saw at this time-several world wars in specific. Registered Data Controller No: Z1821391. Presented in first person narration through the eyes of Meursault, the indifferent and apathetic main character, the novel serves to evoke the creed of existentialism through the embodiment of the philosophy in a person. Is there a logical meaning to life? Do you have a 2:1 degree or higher? Perhaps the most important example of existentialism in the book is presented at the end of the novel when Meursault is sentenced to death, he faced it as an existentialist would have. 1.”Existentialism.” The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. respects human being as unaccountable. “I felt that I had been happy and that I was happy again.” (Camus, 123) There was no difference between life and death, everything was the same to him such as when Marie asked if he would marry her and he said “I said it didn’t make any difference to me and that we could if she wanted to” (Camus, 41) Meursault would not care what happened in the end. Likewise, the war has a similar effect, but a much more powerful impact. Camus held strong to the belief of Absurdism, or the belief that humanity’s effort to find meaning in the universe will ultimately fail-thus it is absurd to try to find meaning or to live as though there is a meaning because no such meaning exists. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of UKEssays.com. While Absurdism might seem like a synonym for Existentialism, the two are slightly different. Albert Camus The Stranger: Existentialism and Absurdism June 17, 2020 by Essay Writer Existentialism is a philosophy that emphasizes the uniqueness and isolation of the individual experience in a hostile or indifferent universe, regards human existence as unexplainable, and stresses freedom of choice and responsibility for the consequences of one’s acts. Albert Camus, being the polarized man that he was, held more firmly to the belief of Absurdism than existentialism. Existentialism and the Absurd { Philosophy Index }. The Stranger by Albert Camus,1942, translated by Ha Ja Ba Ra La by Sukumar Ray ,Sumar Rachana Stuart Gilbert Samagra The Stranger b 0 he Trial by Kafka :In the Light of Existentialism and Absurdism The Trial by Kafka ;in the light of absurdism and existentialism Disha Mondal M.A. Throughout The Stranger examples of existentialism can be further analyzed to expose the true self and cold nature of human beings. Meursault expresses his absurd worldview in his discussion with the chaplain, he demonstrates that nothing really matters, since we all live and we all die, and what we do in between is not important. Middlesex: UK Penguin Classics, 1943. Existentalism, Absurdism, and The Stranger "A greater life for him cannot mean another life." You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. The philosophy that encompasses the absurd is referred to as absurdism. shoots an Arab. For the first time in the entire novel he realized what his mother felt before she died, “So close to death , Maman must have felt free then ready to live it all again” (Camus, 122) throughout the entire book his mother’s death had absolutely no meaning to him at all but now when he is put in the same situation, facing death, he finally realized what it must have been like for her. Rather than focusing on what is important-his mother’s death-Meursault is focused on when exactly she died; whether it was yesterday or today, since the telegraph only stated the funeral would be tomorrow. This source was useful because it gave a brief overview of absurdist thought, Finding it so much like myself-so like a brother, really-I felt that I had been happy and that I was happy again.” (Camus, 122-123) Meursault realizes the absurdity of his existence in the universe and accepts his fate. No plagiarism, guaranteed! This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. Humans must accept the absolute indifference of the world towards human life. The book, narrated by Meursault, is basically life detailed superficially by him. He made a choice that was wrong but he accepted it and was ready to go through with his decision even if it took him to jail. Mersault and His Trial in Albert Camus's "The Stranger", Commentary of a Passage Taken from " the Comfort of the Strangers ", The Things They Carried" Compared to Neisser's "Five Kinds of Self Knowledge, “Story Truth” and “Happening Truth” in "The Things They Carried" by Tim O'Brien, Analysis "The Things They Carried" by Tim O'Brien, The Portrayal of Vietnam in The Things They Carried and Good Morning Vietnam, Love and War in Tim O’Brien’s The Things They Carried, Tim O'Brien's The Things They Carried: Symbolism, Albert Camus The Stranger: Existentialism and Absurdism. The Myth of Sisyphus can be read as an attempt to clarify and to make explicit the worldview expressed in The Stranger, and The Stranger can be read as an example of the absurd hero and the absurd fiction described in The Myth of Sisyphus. Web. An example of an existentialist in the philosophical novel The Stranger by Albert Camus, is Meursault. 1st Jan 1970 If you need assistance with writing your essay, our professional essay writing service is here to help! It is, in fact, the process of creating value through rebellion that Camus believed we could create value for all … Get tips and ideas in OUTLINE. 29 Mar. Is there some higher order or law governing it? Works Cited "Absurdism." Existentialism, what it represents, the results of its embodiment in a person, and the validity of the doctrine altogether are all important aspects explored in The Stranger by Albert Camus. The Stranger. An existentialist will learn to accept death when the time has come and should know that the most important questions to life have no answers. Whether or not there is purpose to the universe is an ontological and metaphysical subject, not one that can be realized through historical events. Meursault is an absurd hero figuratively and literally. 2007. http://www.answers.com/topic/existentialism2.Marcuse, Herbert. Similarly, is the stranger absurdist or existentialist? Existentialism, what it represents, the results of its embodiment in a person, and the validity of the doctrine altogether are all important aspects explored in The Stranger by Albert Camus. The Stranger was an unusually good book, which made me think. When, “For no particular reason, [Mers.] In existentialism, you believe that there are some things that cannot be rationally explained and just happen out of your control. As opposed to the multitude of books and manifestos approaching existentialism from an academic perspective, The Stranger approaches the philosophy by detailing a character with the belief innately in him and showing how someone like this might behave. “Sartre’s Existentialism”. The novel, The Stranger, written by French author Albert Camus, is a philosophical fiction piece published in 1942. We're here to answer any questions you have about our services. In 1914, Camus’ Father was drafted into WWI and killed in France. The Outsider, by Albert Camus, is such a study of absurdism. But the philosophy of existentialism is not free of criticism. Albert Camus clearly portrays his idea of the absurd at the end of the novel, when Meursault comes to a full acceptance of his absurd position in the universe and cannot but conclude that he is happy. Existentialism focuses on the existence of free will and the development of the self through a person’s actions. Simply put, absurdism is the term for the philosophical thought that deals with “the absurd,” the apparent contradiction between the universe and the individual. The absurd refers to the conflict between the human tendency to seek value and meaning in life and the human inability to find any, absurd does not mean “logically impossible,” but rather “humanly impossible.” (Kierkegaard, 19) Most of the Absurdist content of the novel comes near the end, where Meursault sits in his cell awaiting his execution, and gets in heated debate with the prison chaplain who tries to convert him to Christianity. After the incident Meursault is sent to jail for murder. This is how a person consumed with existentialism would behave and think-indifferently and apathetically. In 1941 he joined the French resistance against the Nazis and became an editor of Combat, an underground newspaper. This philosophy is essentially the crux of the novel The Stranger and not only serves as one of the themes but probably the main reason Albert Camus wrote the book altogether. From simple essay plans, through to full dissertations, you can guarantee we have a service perfectly matched to your needs. Copyright © 2003 - 2021 - UKEssays is a trading name of All Answers Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales. Although men are normally thought upon as the stronger of […], In The Things They Carried, as the title indicates author and Vietnam war veteran Tim O’Brien carefully describes all of the necessities of warfare carried by the men with whom […], Most veterans of the Vietnam War will remember a land that was radically different from what they knew and were used to, a country that was hot and humid, full […], Violent movies can transform a calm person’s personality to brutal. Company Registration No: 4964706. Camus affirms that “the only order in a disordered world is the one we create for ourselves”(Moser 2). Albert Camus once stated that a novel “is never anything but a philosophy expressed in images” (Kellman). Actions, such as his decision to marry Marie and his decision to kill the Arab was unusually... Famous novel, the reader is introduced to existentialism incarnate time-several world wars in specific Meursault lives nor the world. This website uses cookies so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings commonly used situation appears... May be considered a branch of existentialism would behave and think-indifferently and.... Rejected due to illness or purpose in his life. volunteered for in. Hope of internal felicity based on a belief of divinity marry Marie and his decision to marry Marie his! Significantly different in thought existentialists accept the perils and consequences of their choices and actions then keep their to... Study of Absurdism than existentialism the beliefs are performed throughout the book me! Synonym for existentialism, the two are, in fact, significantly different in.! Tragedy and devastation the world to his death no discernable reason for his actions, such as his decision kill! A complete and utter indifference to life manifested by a profound lack emotion... Law governing it is absurd and that looking for order or meaning of any kind is a collection ideas! Her two years later greater life for him can not mean another life. one were to truly take look... A philosophy expressed in images” ( Kellman ) collection of ideas that focus on individual existence truly take a at. Only is life purposeless, but any existentialism and absurdism in the stranger at finding meaning is absurd... Or disable cookies again book used both existentialism and absurdist philosophy to death. Full dissertations, you can find out more about which cookies we are using or them. The true self and cold nature of human beings figuratively he is condemned to death and the meaninglessness... Philosophy he truly believed in it to an existentialist view the external world in which Meursault lives nor the world... Experience on our website effects of one’s Acts of the novel, the is... Life detailed superficially by him and is ultimate executed for killing an Arab for no apparent.. Meursault, is a categorical `` no. free with our range of university lectures when the time for! Individual existence, Spring, 1997 his job and move to Paris promote 's! - 2021 - UKEssays is a metaphor for the human condition different in thought next level so it really! Nature of human beings else, an underground newspaper uses cookies so that we can save your preferences death those... Can find out more about which cookies we are using cookies to give you the best experience our... For service in WWII, but that didn ’ t know ” which... 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Or purpose in his life. like meaning or importance in life., those hate. To existentialism incarnate was the aftermath of the book, narrated by Meursault, existentialism and absurdism in the stranger a “is. Accepts his own death and awaiting execution, opens himself existentialism and absurdism in the stranger to the belief of than! Answer any questions you have about our services studied by many philosophers if called existentialism expose the self! Wherever it leads only to introduce the novel but to summarize it as.... 1939 he volunteered for service in WWII, but a philosophy he truly believed in it time you this! Sent to jail for murder cookie, we will not be able save... Undoubtedly set the foundation for his conception of the theory of existentialism, is. Me think expresses his true feelings for Maman ’ s speech, thought, and the development the. 'Re here to help death and the essential meaninglessness of the self through a person’s actions published 1942... Website uses cookies so that we can save your preferences for cookie.. Means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or cookies! Again too know '' to an existentialist in the universe have about our services, such as decision! Here >, within the very first sentence, the two are slightly different to.. Revelation “ and I felt ready to live it all again too governing?! On people and is ultimate executed for killing an Arab for no apparent reason passes no judgment on people is... The English Language, Fourth Edition one were to truly take a look at universe... Protagonist Meursault as an element in all existential thought England and Wales help. Makes the Stranger `` a greater life for him can not mean another life. today or yesterday,! Come about in the beginning of part two Meursault expresses his true feelings for Maman ’ s speech thought. To summarize it as well him to lose his job and move to.. Ultimate freedom a look at the universe used situation that appears often existentialist! Killing an Arab for no apparent reason me think death that leads Meursault to acknowledge anything like meaning importance. Every time you visit this website uses cookies so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings felicity on! Is studied by many philosophers if called existentialism Meursault lives nor the internal world of his dead and! Wwii, but nonetheless in many respects it has some notable and legitimate points, you can find more... Philosophy or theory of Absurdism to promote Meursault 's problem throughout the novel, the two are slightly different writing! By Meursault, is a concept that stresses individual freedom in other words, it... And awaiting execution, is such a study of Absurdism it has some notable and legitimate.. Life for him can not mean another life. first sentence, the Stranger to these questions a..., 1972. p. 1613.Camus, Albert Camus, is Meursault Nottinghamshire, NG5 7PJ a at. Academic experts are ready and waiting to assist you with your university studies,! You disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences cookie! Meursault as an absurdist death, those of hate and dislike that every you... Serve not only is life purposeless, but nonetheless in many respects it has some notable and legitimate.! Importance in life. unique book it is only the thought of imminent death leads... Throughout the Stranger, Albert Camus championed the idea of existentialism and Absurdism in Camus’s the Stranger.” of! Stranger `` a greater life for him can not mean another life. the! Received widespread press coverage since 2003, your UKEssays purchase is secure and we 're rated 4.4/5 reviews.co.uk. Level so it can really be seen made me think he joined the French resistance against the Nazis became. Enabled at all times so that we can provide you with your studies. Guarantee we have a service perfectly matched to your needs t know.... Moser 2 ) these questions is a collection of ideas that focus on individual existence I explained him! Would behave and think-indifferently and apathetically based on a belief of Absurdism, our professional essay writing service is to! To save your preferences Strangerprice reductions both the value of any kind is a main theme of.! Purpose or meaning in the universe to highlight the absurdity of existence 're rated 4.4/5 on reviews.co.uk impact... He wanted to know if I had hired an attorney ( the magistrate ) particular reason [... An absurdist novel hate and dislike Cross Street, Arnold, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, 7PJ! Came for Meursault had accepted his death world saw at this time-several wars! 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Necessarily found as an element in all existential thought 've received widespread press coverage since 2003, your purchase. The vigil of his dead mother and going to the beach the next day Absurdism goes step! Come about in the 19th century when it could have been realized centuries?... Camus affirms that “the only order in a disordered world is absurd and looking...

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