Unveiling the Mystery and Paradox: A Review of “The Stranger” by Albert Camus
From the inaugural lines of Albert Camus’ “The Stranger”, I embark on a hypnotic journey exploring the theme of existentialism, set against the harsh desert landscapes of French-Algerian colonization.
Here, I dive into the extraordinary narrative and parallel it to our shared human experience and the natural world, and I must say, it’s as spellbinding as watching part of a majestic cloud migration across desolate skies.
Delving into the Detached Protagonist Meursault
The protagonist, Meursault, is nothing if not perplexing. His emotional indifference following his mother’s death is unsettling. It’s like observing a solitary oak in the middle of winter, devoid of leaves, indifferent to the harsh environment.
Provocative Exploration of Life’s Meaning
Camus’ narrative takes a shocking turn with Meursault’s seemingly inexplicable act of violence. It’s reminiscent of the fury within the heart of a thunderstorm, a natural event appearing irrational but dictated by underlying cause-effect laws. This raises the crucial question: does life have inherent meaning or significance?
Camus’ Parable of The Absurd
The profound realization that life may not have an intrinsic purpose swells within Meursault during his incarceration, like the river’s rise with torrential rains. The postulated Camus’ philosophy of Absurdism peeks out through this existential dilemma.
FAQ
What’s so unique about Camus’ writing style?
Camus’ writing style is deeply metaphorical and introspective. It’s like he paints vivid landscapes with words, not just of the world around us, but also internal psychic landscapes.
Why is existentialism a significant theme in “The Stranger”?
The entire narrative of “The Stranger” is a disconcerting exploration of existential thought — the sort represented by the vast, timeless desert. Here, Camus grapples with the idea that life has no inherent meaning or purpose, capturing the essence of existentialism.
Concluding Thoughts
Camus’ “The Stranger” is a haunting exploration of the human relationship to life’s meaning and significance. For some, it’s a chilling portrayal of existence as devoid of purpose, a solitary boulder in an endless desert. For others, it’s a liberating testament to finding meaning within oneself rather than seeking it externally.
As an emotional equivalent of a barren landscape, Meursault’s character persists within the readers’ minds long after they have finished reading, an echo of the thought-provoking tale that is “The Stranger”.
