Frankl's experiences are rich with parallels to Meursault's experience in The Stranger as well. What struck me most on page 50 of the packet. One of Frankl's peers pointed at him and declared "Of all of you he is the only one who must fear the next selection". In response, Frankl smiled. HE SMILED. I was bewildered by his, seemingly, resilient response.
His action here ultimately introduced Frankl's recognition of the inevitability of death while in the concentration camps; the theme is later expanded in the text. But at the point, I immediately thought of The Stranger. Just as Meursault was finally content when he understood the inevitability of his death, Frankl was as well as he smiled amongst his peers. Frankl cites the previous example to convey how his feelings were "blunted", ultimately making up the "second stage". The main symptom of the "second stage" was apathy and just as Meursault's apathetic/indifferent attitude protects him from the pressure of social constructs, Frankl cites it as a "necessary mechanism of "self-defense" to avoid the chaos of the word (54).
The two characters faced very similar situations; however, one was self-inflicted while the other was not. And I believe the two differ, as represented by the line "it is the mental agony caused by injustice, the unreasonableness of it all" (50), in that Meursault's inevitable death is not unreasonable at all (I understand that it also quite controversial-- but for argument's sake). It is here that the reader recognizes the incredible strength of Frankl during his time in the camp. The lack of emotional attachment in this story saddens me, honestly.
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ReplyDeleteI like what you wrote about the inevitability of life. I think it is true that being aware of oncoming death is the most powerful force in making people look at the meaning of life. I disagree, however, with the idea that Meursault is apathetic.
ReplyDeleteI really like the connection you made between Meursault and Frankyl recognizing their death as unavoidable. While the lack of emotional attachment in the story is very sad, I thought the ending offered a more optimistic view, as he was able to connect with his wife and find something greater than just the physical brutality of the concentration camp.
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