L'Etrenger by Albert Camus

The Outsider/Stranger (as translated into English) is a short narrative associated with the philosophies of existentialism, absurdism, determintism, naturalism and stoicism.

Part One:

The main character is Meursault who oddly doesn't grieve at his mother's funeral but sits smoking and drinking coffee instead. The next day Meursault meets with someone he used to work with named Marie and they begin a sexual relationship, which could be considered absurd considering that his mother had so recently died. The author questions whether Meursault is capable of human politeness and social graces, let alone emotion and feeling.

Meursault gives constant critique and justification for people and things around him. During his first person narrative account, he in a mental state of things just happening in the now. He either classifies things as interesting or annoying. This is exemplified through Meursault's friendship with Raymond. Raymond believes that his girlfriend has been unfaithful and asks Meursault to write her a letter arranging a meeting between them; Raymond plans to beat her. Knowing full well that Raymond's girlfriend will come to harm, Meursault still writes the letter, seeing Raymond's 'interesting' and justifiable side.

Unfortunately the family of Raymond's now physically harmed girlfriend are not impressed and stalk Raymond, wanting revenge. Being on the scene, Meursault gets involved by killing one of the men because (as he justifies it) 'the sunshine and heat confused him'.

Part Two:

Meursault is in jail and unhappy that he cannot gratify his sexual desires with Marie. He also misses his freedom. He is however unable to feel remorse, described as a soulless monster that deserves to die. Awaiting his execution Meursault tells the chaplain that 'God is a waste of time'. Meursault undergoes a different journey grasping the universe's indifference towards mankind and wishing for a large audience at his execution wanting to be 'greeted with cries of hate'.

Philosophical references:

With regards to absurdisim Meursault is an unreceptive man, he only has sensory experiences. He lives in the physical alone as exemplified through his reaction to the responsibility of murdering someone 'the sun had physical effects on him'; things 'just happen'. Only in execution can Meursault acknowledge responsibility for his actions, yet the inhumanity of murder is irrelevant to Meursault, he just accepts dying as part if the status quo. Absurdity overrides responsibility and Meursault is satisfied with his death because the world is meaningless and because God is a waste of time.

Although writing an existentialism view, Camus himself didn't consider himself to be of the existentialist philosophy.Yet the book expresses strongly the idea of human life having no meaning or order; therefore peace in death. The character Meursault gives such a calm account of life, almost nonchalant, as someone who merely sees as opposed to feeling as well. The Outsider/Stranger describes the individual who cannot bond, connect or feel with another; Meursault admits to not loving Marie.

There is no over analysing and no thought for consequence. There is no regard for the future or for the past. Existence in the present is all that matters. In this sense perhaps Meursault is a hero, since he had integrity in living his life exactly to these principles.