Evolution of Absurd from The stranger to The Fall

Abstract

The aim of this research paper is to talk about the evolution of absurd from “the stranger” to “the fall”. Both the novels are written by Albert Camus and the subject area on which both the novels are written is the Absurd. The motive here is to examine different ways in which numerous aspects of the absurd are transformed. The paper also aims to highlight all the important themes and motives that are discussed in both the novels. Overall, this piece of study focuses on the evolution of the absurd as discussed in the given novels.

Introduction

There are a number of writers who have written on the topic of the Absurd. However, each writer has his or her own interpretations about what the word Absurd actually is. Numerous ideas have been developed on the importance of the Absurd. According to the philosophical interpretation, the Absurd means the conflict between the tendency of humans to seek meaning and value in life, and the inability of humans to find these values and meanings. Therefore, absurd is not something that is logically impossible, rather it is something that is humanly impossible. Numerous writers tried to write on this subject. This research paper will highlight the ideas and thoughts provided by Albert Camus on the stated topic. Albert Camus has written a number of novels, however, “The Stranger” and “The Fall” are two of his most famous novels, written to describe the concept of the absurd in the lives of humans. With the help of the characters present in both the novels, Albert Camus tends to describe what the absurd actually is, and how it can be interpreted by most of the people in this world.

Discussion

In his novel “The Stranger”, Albert Camus highlighted the fact that the world is indifferent and absurd, and the character of Meursault in the novel portrays a personality that is not unethical, or immoral, rather amoral and indifferent to the world. Furthermore, another novel of Albert Camus, “The Fall” is the one in which he tries to explore the themes of imprisonment, truth, innocence, and non-existence. “The Fall” was first published in the year 1956, and this novel is the last completed fiction work of Albert Camus. Moreover, the novel “The Fall” is one of the series of dramatic monologues by Albert Camus, as the style of Camus's narration is that of second person monologue. Further, “The Stranger” and “The myth of Sisyphus” were the popular works of Albert Camus that were published during the dark days of World War II. This is the reason why his works portray this world as a meaningless, absurd, and indifferent place. During his times, the British were under siege, Hitler got the France surrendered to him, Americans were still struggling to recover from the Pearl Harbor, and the Russians were having defensive behaviors. All this situations and backgrounds are reflected in the works of Albert Camus (Warsh, pp. 77).

The stranger

When the will of majority is opposed ...