Themes

Themes

1        1.  The Meaninglessness of Human Life.

In the story, the stranger, Albert Camus exemplifies his true philosophies through the character Meursault; the insignificance of death. When a person dies, it doesn’t stop the earth from rotating, nor does it mean that humanity has no chance of survival; it has no long term or significant effect on life as we know it and that is a philosophy that the author reveals through his writing.  When Meursault’s mother passed away, Meursault doesn't grieve because even though she is dead, it doesn’t mean that his life has really changed: work, schedule, etc. A person dying, though on a personal level it is important, is just a normal every day thing that happens to everyone in this world, it’s just a matter of when and where. Once Meursault strengthens that view of the world, as he is spending his final minutes in his prison cell, he finds it much easier to cope with the fact that he is going to be executed because, whether he was proven guilty or not, he was still going to die sooner or later. The author demonstrates how life has no importance or meaning as Meursault does not show emotion after taking some one’s life away as well. If someone, at least someone sane, kills another person, they grieve and show regret; Meursault is in his right mind and he does not show regret or remorse for his actions. Not only does the death not affect his character, it also doesn’t affect life; it has no significant impact on the way we live. The author is simply using symbolism when portraying Meursault’s actions in order to get his point across; the unimportance of human life.

2.      Death being unavoidable.

Death is an inescapable way of life. At one time or another, someone will die and there is no way to avoid that. So what can one do? Nothing, all they can do is wait. If you’re trying to escape death, give up because just like Meursault we will all have a day when we are going to die, and trying to escape that is pointless. Just like Meursault, we are confined in an inescapable prison cell awaiting our own deaths. This is an idea that the author tries to convey in some parts of the novel as Meursault is waiting for his execution date. There are even some instances when this philosophy is conveyed as Meursault is talking of the harsh effects of the sun. During the long, hot funeral procession Meursault is told by the nurse that if he “[goes too] slowly, [he would] risk getting sunstroke. But if [he goes] too fast, [he would] work up a sweat and then catch a chill inside the church.” Upon hearing this, Meursault realizes that she was right, “There was no way out.” Symbolically, the sun’s harsh effects represent death; trying to avoid or escape it is impossible.