Meursault Character Analysis

Albert Camus' novel "The Stranger" follows the story of Meursault, a man who embodies the philosophy of existentialism. Meursault's character is enigmatic and complex, and his actions and thoughts throughout the novel provide insight into the themes of absurdity, alienation, and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent world. This essay will analyze Meursault's character, focusing on his indifference, his relationship with society, and his struggle to find meaning in a world devoid of inherent purpose.

Indifference

Meursault is often characterized by his indifference towards the world around him. He is detached and apathetic, displaying little emotion or concern for the events and people in his life. This indifference is evident from the beginning of the novel, as Meursault shows little grief at his mother's death. He does not conform to societal expectations of mourning, and his lack of emotional response to his mother's death sets the tone for his character throughout the novel.

Meursault's indifference is further highlighted in his relationships with others. He is distant from his girlfriend, Marie, and is uninterested in forming deep connections with those around him. His indifference is also evident in his interactions with his colleagues and neighbors. Meursault's lack of emotional engagement with the world around him reflects his existentialist beliefs, as he sees life as inherently meaningless and therefore sees no reason to invest emotional energy in it.

Relationship with Society

Meursault's indifference extends to his relationship with society as a whole. He is alienated from the social norms and expectations that govern the lives of those around him. He does not conform to societal standards of behavior, and his refusal to adhere to these norms sets him apart from those around him. Meursault's alienation is evident in his interactions with the judicial system, as he is unable to convincingly demonstrate remorse or regret for his actions.

Meursault's indifference towards society is also reflected in his atheism and rejection of religious beliefs. His refusal to seek solace in religion or conform to societal expectations of faith further alienates him from the world around him. Meursault's detached and indifferent attitude towards society is a manifestation of his existentialist beliefs, as he rejects the idea of conforming to societal norms and values that he sees as arbitrary and meaningless.

Search for Meaning

Throughout the novel, Meursault grapples with the existentialist idea of finding meaning in an indifferent world. He struggles to reconcile the absurdity of existence with his desire to find purpose and significance in his life. Meursault's search for meaning is evident in his interactions with the chaplain in prison, as he grapples with the idea of an indifferent universe and the lack of inherent purpose in life.

Meursault's existentialist journey culminates in his acceptance of the absurdity of existence. He embraces the idea that life is inherently meaningless and that the search for meaning is ultimately futile. Meursault's acceptance of the absurdity of existence is a pivotal moment in the novel, as it reflects his realization that the only meaningful existence is one that is lived authentically, without the constraints of societal expectations and the pursuit of external meaning.

Conclusion

Meursault's character in "The Stranger" embodies the existentialist philosophy of absurdity, alienation, and the search for meaning in an indifferent world. His indifference towards the world around him, his alienation from society, and his struggle to find meaning reflect the central themes of the novel. Meursault's character serves as a reflection of the human condition, grappling with the existentialist idea of finding purpose in a world devoid of inherent meaning.

Overall, the character of Meursault in "The Stranger" provides a poignant exploration of existentialist philosophy and the human experience, serving as a compelling example of the struggle to find meaning in a seemingly indifferent world.