The Stranger by Albert Camus stands as a prominent work in French literature. This now classic novella was first published in 1942 under the title L'Étranger and known in some translations as The Outsider. Set against the backdrop of French Algeria, the story focuses on Meursault, a French Algerian distinguished by his indifference to life and the social and cultural expectations of his time. The novella begins with Meursault receiving news of his mother's death, an event to which he responds with a disconcerting lack of emotion. His interactions following the funeral, including beginning an intimate relationship with Marie Cardona and engaging in morally ambiguous activities with his neighbor Raymond Sintès, further illustrate his emotional detachment.
The plot takes a dramatic turn when Meursault, during an outing to a beach with friends, ends up killing an Arab man following an earlier altercation involving Raymond. The murder marks the end of the first part of the narrative, leading into a reevaluation of Meursault's character through the lens of his actions rather than his societal conformity. His trial, which focuses more on his inability to cry at his mother's funeral than the murder itself, ultimately results in a death sentence. The novel reaches its crescendo in Meursault's reflections on life, death, and the universe's indifference, culminating in his acceptance of his fate.
Critically acclaimed for its exploration of existentialism, absurdism, and the human condition, The Stranger has had a profound impact on literary and philosophical thought. Ranked number one on Le Monde's 100 Books of the Century, Camus's work has been subject to various analyses and interpretations, often focusing on its profound philosophical implications. Despite Camus's rejection of the existentialist label, the novella is frequently associated with existentialist thought due to its thematic focus on the absurdity of life and the indifference of the universe.
The Stranger has been translated into numerous languages, with Matthew Ward's translation into English in 1989 being lauded for its fidelity to the tone and philosophy of the original French text.
Themes
Absurdism
Existentialism
Emotional detachment
Social alienation
The irrelevance of morality
The inevitability of death
The meaninglessness of human life
Justice and the arbitrary nature of society
Setting
The Stranger is divided into two parts, with significant events occurring in Algiers, the capital of Algeria, and its surrounding areas. The era in which the story takes place is crucial, as it provides context to the protagonist's actions and the societal expectations of the time. Published during the Nazi occupation of France in 1942, the novel subtly reflects the overarching sense of absurdity and existential dread that characterized the period. Camus, through a detailed portrayal of Algiers and its environment, crafts a setting that is both physically expansive yet oppressive, mirroring Meursault's internal struggles and societal detachment.
Specific locations within Algeria, such as the Algiers beach where a pivotal moment of the novel occurs, become more than mere backdrops; they are intrinsic to the unfolding of the plot and the development of the novel's philosophical underpinnings. Through Meursault's indifferent eyes, readers are introduced to a world where the blistering heat of the sun and the vast, indifferent sea become catalysts for a deeper contemplation on the human condition and the inherent absurdity of existence within an indifferent universe.
Characters
Meursault: A French settler in Algeria, indifferent to his environment and estranged from society, who kills an Arab man.
Meursault's mother: Sent to an old age home three years prior to her death. Meursault shows indifference to her death.
Thomas Pérez: The fiancé of Meursault's mother, struggles to keep up in her funeral procession.
Céleste: Owner of a café frequented by Meursault. Testifies at Meursault's trial.
Marie Cardona: A former secretary in the same workplace as Meursault, starts a relationship with him.
Salamano: An old man who loses his dog, asks Meursault for advice. Testifies at Meursault's trial.
Raymond Sintès: A neighbor of Meursault who involves him in a conflict with an Arab family.
Masson: Owner of the beach house where the conflict with the Arabs escalates.
The Arab: Killed by Meursault on a beach in Algiers. Brother of Raymond's mistress.
The Chaplain: Tries to convert Meursault to Christianity before his execution, symbolizing religious perspectives on meaning in life.
FAQs
What are the book's main themes?
In philosophical novella, Albert Camus focuses on themes including existentialism, the absurdity of life, the indifference of the universe, and the societal demands for conformity. Through the story of its protagonist, Meursault, The Stranger also explores the meaning (or lack thereof) of human life and the impact of social norms on individual freedom.
Why did Meursault kill the Arab man, and what is the meaning of his crime?
In The Stranger, Meursault kills the Arab man without any clear motive, reflecting his emotional detachment and the novel's theme of the absurd. His action is impulsive, triggered by the heat and the bright reflection of the sun on the Arab's knife, rather than any premeditated reason or personal vendetta. His crime is essentially meaningless.
How does the novella explore the concept of existentialism?
The Stranger explores existentialism by illustrating Meursault's navigation through life with a sense of detachment and indifference. His lack of emotion towards societal norms and his own life's events underscore the existential belief that life is inherently meaningless unless individuals assign value to it.
Why is Camus's novella considered important by literary scholars?
The Stranger is considered a seminal work for its exploration of existentialist themes, its straightforward and engaging prose, and its philosophical questioning of human existence and morality. It has influenced numerous literary, academic, and cultural discussions about the absurdity of life and the role of societal norms in shaping individual behavior.
What is the significance of the novel's setting in Algeria?
The setting in Algeria, under French colonial rule, plays a crucial role in highlighting the themes of alienation and cultural conflict. It reflects Meursault's own sense of being an outsider or "stranger" not only to his social environment but also to the colonial context in which he lives.
How does the novella reflect Albert Camus's philosophy?
The Stranger is a reflection of Camus's philosophy of absurdism, which suggests that life is devoid of meaning and that individuals must find their own purpose in an indifferent universe. Through Meursault's indifferent attitude towards life and his confrontations with societal expectations, the novella captures the author's ideas on human existence and the search for meaning.
How does Meursault's character development throughout the story reflect the theme of existential freedom?
Meursault exhibits existential freedom through his refusal to conform to societal norms or to feign emotions that he does not feel. His character development—from a passive participant in life to someone who accepts the absurdity of the universe and finds peace in his own existence—underscores the existential theme that true freedom comes from embracing life's inherent meaninglessness.
What role does the trial play in the book?
The trial in The Stranger serves as a critical commentary on the justice system and society's expectations for moral and emotional behavior. It is less about the actual crime Meursault committed and more about society's judgment of his character, particularly his emotional detachment and indifference, which are deemed unacceptable.
How do the different translations from the original French affect readers' interpretation of Camus's work?
Different translations of The Stranger can significantly impact the interpretation of the text, especially considering nuances in language that might alter the tone or meaning of certain passages. For instance, the translation of Meursault's statement about his mother's death and the novel's ending phrases can influence readers' understanding of Meursault's emotional state and the novel's existential themes.
Quotes
“I may not have been sure about what really did interest me, but I was absolutely sure about what didn't.”
“I opened myself to the gentle indifference of the world.”
“I had only a little time left and I didn't want to waste it on God.”
“Since we're all going to die, it's obvious that when and how don't matter.”
“I looked up at the mass of signs and stars in the night sky and laid myself open for the first time to the benign indifference of the world.”
“If something is going to happen to me, I want to be there.”
“Have you no hope at all? And do you really live with the thought that when you die, you die, and nothing remains?" "Yes," I said.”
“Mother died today. Or maybe yesterday; I can't be sure.”
“I had been right, I was still right, I was always right. I had lived my life one way and I could just as well have lived it another. I had done this and I hadn't done that. I hadn't done this thing but I had done another. And so?”
Quick facts
The original French title of The Stranger is L'Étranger, which typically translates in English to The Foreigner.
The book was published as The Outsider in the United Kingdom and then later released as The Stranger in the United States.
The Stranger was published during the Nazi occupation of France but went on sale without censorship or omission by the Propaganda-Staffel.
Albert Camus completed the initial manuscript by May 1941, incorporating revisions suggested by notable figures including André Malraux, Jean Paulhan, and Raymond Queneau.
The Stranger started appearing in bookstores in June 1942 with an initial print run of just 4,400 copies, so few that it could not be bestseller status at its release.
The translation by Matthew Ward is widely considered the definitive English version, capturing Camus's prose more accurately than other translations.
While The Stranger is known for its existential themes, Albert Camus personally rejected the label of existentialism.
Le Monde, a prominent French newspaper, ranked The Stranger as the number one on its list of 100 Books of the 20th Century.
Camus was suffering from tuberculosis around the time of the book's publication and could not participate in the traditional French publishing activities or see its initial reception.
The Stranger has been adapted into films and inspired songs, including "Killing an Arab" by The Cure, which directly references the novel's content.
Kamel Daoud's novel The Meursault Investigation offers a counter-narrative to The Stranger, telling the story from the perspective of the murdered Arab's brother, adding depth and context to Camus's original work.
About the author
Albert Camus was a towering figure in French literature and philosophy, regarded as one of the leading thinkers of the 20th century. Though often associated with existentialism, he rejected the label, emphasizing instead his commitment to individual freedom and opposition to nihilism. His contributions laid the groundwork for the philoslophy of absurdism. His literary works, including The Stranger (1942) and The Plague (1947), explore the absurdity of the human condition. His ponderings on the absurd also find expression in his essays, including the "The Myth of Sisyphus," and plays such as Caligula.
Born in Algeria in 1913, Camus lived through colonial tensions and the upheaval of World War II, which deeply influenced his writing and philosophical inquiries. He was also an active journalist and political commentator, known for his staunch anti-totalitarian stance. During the Algerian War, he advocated for a peaceful solution that would respect the rights and dignity of all Algerians, embodying his broader commitment to justice and human rights. His keen observations on life, justice, and moral integrity earned him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1957, rendering him among the youngest to receive the honor.
His unexpected death in a car crash in 1960 cut short a career that many believed had yet to reach its full potential. Nevertheless, Albert Camus's influence endures, not only in the realms of literature and philosophy but in the ongoing discourse on freedom, justice, and the meaning of human existence.
