'The Stranger' by Albert Camus: Meursault's Trial

'The Stranger' by Albert Camus: Meursault's Trial

Introduction

'The Stranger' is a classic work of literature. The simplistic style of writing used by Albert Camus delivers a thought provoking message. Camus uses the indifference portrayed by his lead character, Meursault, to emphasize his own belief that life is coincidental. According to Camus, once we cease to exist, that is the end of everything (Sagi, 2002). The notion of continually trying to sustain life is just a burden to living life completely. This paper looks at the prevalence of justice in the lead character's trial and whether his behavior during and after his mother's funeral held any relevance to the decision.

Discussion

The Book

Camus' philosophical belief of absurdity is apparent in his work. In 'The Stranger', Meursault, also the narrator, is a young man from Algiers. The story gets off the ground with Meursault receiving a letter that informs him of his mother's demise. He travels to Marengo for the funeral proceedings and surprisingly seems unfazed by his loss. He refuses to have the coffin opened for one last look. Upon his returning from the funeral, Meursault runs into Marie. They two enjoy a comedy movie and end up spending the night together. Meursault later tells Marie that their sexual encounter did not mean anything other than pleasure, but soon accepts to loving her. The reader may assume that this is acknowledgment is completely false. Raymond, Meursault's neighbor, asks his help in writing a letter to lure his girlfriend back to his apartment. He believes she was unfaithful and plans on beating her. Meursault agrees to write the letter and even testifies to Raymond's innocence when the police investigate the girl's beating. Later, Meursault, Marie and Raymond spend an afternoon at Masson's beach house. At the beach, they run ...