Camus main argument within "The Stranger" and some of his other pieces play into the idea that human life is meaningless and has no greater, overriding purpose. Camus implies that the inevitability of death is the only real outcome of human life. Throughout "The Stranger", Meursault progresses towards this mindset as different aspects of his life continue to further this engrave these ideas into his mind. Meursault really grasped this concept after his talk with the Chaplain; thats when he fully came to terms with the idea that he will progress through the cycle of human life and then will not have much meaning or importance. He even says that he knows he will not be remembered and that his life didn't touch many. The irony of this is that Meursault is only able to achieve complete happiness after he fully grasps this concept. This mindset gives him closure on life and gives him reasoning for the situation he was in. He lets go of his fantasies and continues to make the most of his final days -- aware that death is unavoidable.
I agree with what you’re saying and it is interesting as this idea drives the whole book. When he is first in prison, Mersault doesn’t grasp the idea that he must adapt to a new life and grasp the idea of punishment. Once he does it, he is able to do well in any situation.
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ReplyDeleteI agree with what you’re saying and it is interesting as this idea drives the whole book. When he is first in prison, Mersault doesn’t grasp the idea that he must adapt to a new life and grasp the idea of punishment. Once he does it, he is able to do well in any situation.