The Stranger and American Psycho

Throughout the beginning of The Stranger I continuously related the book the the movie “American Psycho.” This film is about a man, going about his life and doing regular things, but he appears to be a sociopath, seeming to lack feelings and a conscience. Meursault in The Stranger reminded me exactly of this movie character in all of his thoughts and his overall outlook on the world.

I do agree that Meursault seems to be a radical subject, perhaps an existentialist whether Camus intended so or not. However, I do not think Meursault’s mentality is healthy or normal at all. He seems to entirely lack a conscience and feelings for his friends and family. These values that he lacks suggest a serious mental issue. I believe that humans have evolved in certain ways which allow and promote further development of humankind. Personally, I think that things like emotional attachment to people are a part of human development. Meursault’s lack of feelings and a conscience suggest that he is an abnormal, and perhaps unhealthy individual.

Although Meursault is a radical subject, this is not an attainable goal for most people. Evolutionarily, humans pass down genes and traits that are healthy and promote the betterment of the species. If you watch “American Psycho,” you may see relations between the main character of the film and Meursault. I think this reinforces the idea that Meursault is not a sane man.