existentialism and absurdism in the stranger

Study for free with our range of university lectures! Existentialism is a philosophy that emphasizes a number of points, such as the freedom to choose and the choices and individual makes should be made without the consent of another person or standard. Meursault has no discernable reason for his actions, such as his decision to marry Marie and his decision to kill the Arab. He has no hope or purpose in his life. In the realist novel, The Stranger, contains powerful fullness of the idea of existentialism and absurdist philosophy. Throughout The Stranger examples of existentialism can be further analyzed to expose the true self and cold nature of human beings. Absurdism is the key component in the story, The Stranger, and is the belief that human existence is purposeless and that is evident by the way the protagonist behaves throughout the novel. Camus’ famous novel, The Stranger, is a novel that reflects the idea of the absurd. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of UKEssays.com. We're here to answer any questions you have about our services. “Then he wanted to know if I had hired an attorney (the magistrate). Camus uses his novel, The Stranger, to show his theory of absurdism. 6.White, Ray. "Maman died today or yesterday maybe, I don't know". In 1940 he wrote an essay on the state of Muslims in Algeria causing him to lose his job and move to Paris. In his story “The Things They Carried”, Tim O’Brien, enlightens the reader with the many faces and emotions of men. Meursault accepts his own death and the indifference of the world to his death. A significant event from the novel would be when the magistrate in the story brings out his crucifix and revealed it to the protagonist, Meursault. Answers.com 28 Mar. Existentialism is a philosophy that emphasizes the uniqueness and isolation of the individual experience in a hostile or indifferent universe, regards human existence as unexplainable, and stresses freedom of choice and responsibility for the consequences of one’s acts. Get tips and ideas in OUTLINE. Existentialism is a philosophy that emphasizes a few main points, such as the freedom to choose and how the choices you make should be made without the assistance of another person or standard. Camus does a great job in the first part of the novel of demonstrating to the reader not only the philosophy of existentialism, but a corporal representation of it as well. The Idea of Existentialism in The Stranger 965 Words4 Pages Existentialism is defined as "a philosophical theory or approach that emphasizes the existence of the individual person as a free and responsible agent determining his or her own development through acts of the will”. Existentialism, what it represents, the results of its embodiment in a person, and the validity of the doctrine altogether are all important aspects explored in The Stranger by Albert Camus. If you need assistance with writing your essay, our professional essay writing service is here to help! Essay on Albert Camus The Stranger: Existentialism and Absurdism Existentialismis a philosophy that emphasizes the uniqueness and isolation of the individual experience in a hostile or indifferent universe, regards human existence as unexplainable, and stresses freedom of choice and responsibility for the consequences of one's acts. Absurdism says that the universe is chaotic and unpredictable; therefore, the individual has ultimate freedom. Meursault is an absurd hero figuratively and literally. In the beginning of part two Meursault expresses his true feelings for Maman’s death, those of hate and dislike. level of absurdism to the next level so it can really be seen. This philosophy is essentially the crux of the novel The Stranger as Meursault, the indifferent and apathetic main character, embodies the tenets of existentialism intrinsically. respects human being as unaccountable. 29 Mar. The Outsider, by Albert Camus, is such a study of absurdism. Free resources to assist you with your university studies! Existentialism focuses on the existence of free will and the development of the self through a person’s actions. Under the larger umbrella of existentialism, Absurdism is a concept that stresses individual freedom, happiness and the essential meaninglessness of the world . Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. Camus held strong to the belief of Absurdism, or the belief that humanity’s effort to find meaning in the universe will ultimately fail-thus it is absurd to try to find meaning or to live as though there is a meaning because no such meaning exists. The absurd refers to the conflict between the human tendency to seek value and meaning in life and the human inability to find any, absurd does not mean “logically impossible,” but rather “humanly impossible.” (Kierkegaard, 19) Most of the Absurdist content of the novel comes near the end, where Meursault sits in his cell awaiting his execution, and gets in heated debate with the prison chaplain who tries to convert him to Christianity. From simple essay plans, through to full dissertations, you can guarantee we have a service perfectly matched to your needs. Albert Camus The Stranger: Existentialism and Absurdism Essay Free Articles Existentialism is a doctrine that emphasizes the singularity and isolation of the single experience in a hostile or apathetic existence. Finding Joy in Albert Camus’ The Stranger: A Different Perspective Existentialism is often defined as a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual existence, freedom and choice. “If there is a sin against life, it consists perhaps not so much in despairing of life as in hoping for another life and in eluding the implacable grandeur of this life.” The point illuminated in this quote by Camus is that although some consider viewing life with despair to be wrong, or sinful, in reality hoping for an after life, “another life”, or living a life of implacable grandeur is the real sin. In writing The Stranger, Albert Camus championed the idea of existentialism, a philosophy he truly believed in it. “I felt that I had been happy and that I was happy again.” (Camus, 123) There was no difference between life and death, everything was the same to him such as when Marie asked if he would marry her and he said “I said it didn’t make any difference to me and that we could if she wanted to” (Camus, 41) Meursault would not care what happened in the end. Middlesex: UK Penguin Classics, 1943. Printed in Studies in Critical Philosophy. Absurdism is often considered a branch of existentialism. Existentalism, Absurdism, and The Stranger "A greater life for him cannot mean another life." 2007 . The Stranger is, above all else, an absurdist novel. Meursault passes no judgment on people and is ultimate executed for killing an Arab for no apparent reason. For the first time in the entire novel he realized what his mother felt before she died, “So close to death , Maman must have felt free then ready to live it all again” (Camus, 122) throughout the entire book his mother’s death had absolutely no meaning to him at all but now when he is put in the same situation, facing death, he finally realized what it must have been like for her. Web. Our academic experts are ready and waiting to assist with any writing project you may have. In any instanceThe Strangerprice reductions both the value of any workss and the hope of internal felicity based on a belief of divinity. During the second beach fight when Meursault shoots the Arab with Raymond’s gun one of the Arabs draws his knife and holds it up to Meursault, Meursault isn’t bothered by the Arab’s threatening action, it was the light from the sun that reflected into his eyes along with the intense heat that was bothering him “The scorching blade slashed at my eyelashes and stabbed at my stinging eyes.” (Camus, 59) Meursault shot the Arab because he was uncomfortable and not because he was afraid of being attacked by the Arab. A majority of the book made me feel like the rest of society, which was not accepting Meursault’s behavior. Special offer for LiteratureEssaySamples.com readers. Ironically, it is only the thought of imminent death that leads Meursault to acknowledge anything like meaning or importance in life. Absurdism holds that the world is absurd and that looking for order or meaning of any kind is a futile endeavor. It is shown by Meursault, his acceptance, when he This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Looking for a flexible role? The answer from The Stranger to these questions is a categorical "No." Existentialism, what it represents, the results of its embodiment in a person, and the validity of the doctrine altogether are all important aspects explored in The Stranger by Albert Camus. The Myth of Sisyphus can be read as an attempt to clarify and to make explicit the worldview expressed in The Stranger, and The Stranger can be read as an example of the absurd hero and the absurd fiction described in The Myth of Sisyphus. Rather than focusing on what is important-his mother’s death-Meursault is focused on when exactly she died; whether it was yesterday or today, since the telegraph only stated the funeral would be tomorrow. But what made this theory come about in the 19th century when it could have been realized centuries before? This corporal representation of existentialism is what makes The Stranger the unique book it is. *You can also browse our support articles here >. The reason is the tragedy and devastation the world saw at this time-several world wars in specific. Albert Camus The Stranger: Existentialism and Absurdism June 17, 2020 by Essay Writer Existentialism is a philosophy that emphasizes the uniqueness and isolation of the individual experience in a hostile or indifferent universe, regards human existence as unexplainable, and stresses freedom of choice and responsibility for the consequences of one’s acts. Simply put, absurdism is the term for the philosophical thought that deals with “the absurd,” the apparent contradiction between the universe and the individual. Albert Camus The Stranger: Existentialism and Absurdism Existentialism is a philosophy that emphasizes the uniqueness and isolation of the individual experience in a hostile or indifferent universe, regards human existence as unexplainable, and stresses freedom of choice […] While absurdism may be considered a branch of existentialism, it is a specific idea that is not necessary to an existentialist view. He doesn’t care when his mother died, in fact the fact that he has to attend the funeral altogether is the most troubling part of this whole ordeal to him. One philosophical system that is studied by many philosophers if called existentialism. While Absurdist might seem like a synonym for Existentialism, the two are slightly different. This is a question that naturally protrudes throughout the novel, as it is not abundantly clear […], Existentialism is a philosophy that emphasizes the uniqueness and isolation of the individual experience in a hostile or indifferent universe, regards human existence as unexplainable, and stresses freedom of choice […]. Humans must accept the absolute indifference of the world towards human life. The Stranger was an unusually good book, which made me think. It is easy to highlight the absurdity of the human quest for purpose. Whether or not there is purpose to the universe is an ontological and metaphysical subject, not one that can be realized through historical events. However, the two are, in fact, significantly different in thought. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. Registered office: Venture House, Cross Street, Arnold, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG5 7PJ. Abstract : Albert Camus’s present novel The Stranger widely considered as the true representation of his philosophical movement Existentialism and Absurdity. “The Meaning of Life.” 2004. Meursault exhibits a complete and utter indifference to life manifested by a profound lack of emotion. I admitted I hadn’t and inquired whether it was really necessary to have one.” (Camus, 63) Meursault didn’t understand why he would need an attorney for his case because it was simple to him, he had murdered a man and was now ready to pay his action. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. 4.Sartre, Jean P. Existentialism is a Humanism. All work is written to order. Likewise, the war has a similar effect, but a much more powerful impact. No plagiarism, guaranteed! And humans do in fact possess the innate desire, or rather compulsion, to explain things and have things figured out-thus explaining their need to associate a purpose with the universe, even when it doesn’t necessarily exist. Registered Data Controller No: Z1821391. Perhaps the most important example of existentialism in the book is presented at the end of the novel when Meursault is sentenced to death, he faced it as an existentialist would have. In conclusion Meursault portrays many existentialist characteristics and actions throughout the literary work and it can be inferred that The Stranger was an existentialist novel … Even the antihero of The Stranger perseveres despite what happens and, when facing execution, opens himself up to the absurdity of existence. The idea of existentialism is used throughout the literary work The Stranger by Albert Camus to expose the true self and cold nature of human beings, contrary of Camus’ original writing style of absurdism to show Mersault’s realization of the meaningless of human life. Albert Camus, being the polarized man that he was, held more firmly to the belief of Absurdism than existentialism. Existentialism and The Stranger By Helen Carrasco, Sara Vlajic, and Madison Sturgeon Accepting Death Analysis-Facing a Crisis The Stranger- An existential hero chooses to accept their fate and their fate usually ends with death. But the philosophy of existentialism is not free of criticism. Figuratively he is condemned to death and awaiting execution, is a metaphor for the human condition. The idea of existentialism is used throughout the literary work The Stranger by Albert Camus to expose the true self and cold nature of human beings, contrary of Camus’ original writing style of absurdism to show Mersault’s realization of the meaningless of human life. These, as well as many other incidents and events in Camus’ life influenced him in the sense that they formed in him a bleak, pessimistic view of life. Herbert Marcuse criticized existentialism, especially in Sartre’s Being and Nothingness, for projecting certain features of living in a modern, oppressive society, such as anxiety and meaninglessness, onto the nature of existence itself: “In so far as Existentialism is a philosophical doctrine, it remains an idealistic doctrine: it hypothesizes specific historical conditions of human existence into ontological and metaphysical characteristics. Presented in first person narration through the eyes of Meursault, the indifferent and apathetic main character, the novel serves to evoke the creed of existentialism through the embodiment of the philosophy in a person. World Company, 1956. Is there a logical meaning to life? When, “For no particular reason, [Mers.] 1.”Existentialism.” The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. London: NLB, 1972. p. 1613.Camus, Albert. Camus’ most prominent works – such as the novels The Plague, The Stranger, The Rebel, and … “Death and Absurdism in Camus’s The Stranger.” University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Spring, 1997. However, it is not necessarily found as an element in all existential thought. We've received widespread press coverage since 2003, Your UKEssays purchase is secure and we're rated 4.4/5 on reviews.co.uk. “Sartre’s Existentialism”. Existentialism and its brother philosophy Absurdism are philosophies that emphasize the uniqueness and isolation of the individual in a hostile and indifferent world, and stress the fact the universe has no discernable purpose. Albert Camus once stated that a novel “is never anything but a philosophy expressed in images” (Kellman). Existentialism although hard to define, is a collection of ideas that focus on individual existence. Copyright © 2003 - 2021 - UKEssays is a trading name of All Answers Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales. This perspective undoubtedly set the foundation for his adoption of the theory of existentialism. But the philosophy of existentialism is not free of criticism. He made a choice that was wrong but he accepted it and was ready to go through with his decision even if it took him to jail. Though Camus does not refer to this notion or absurdity, the beliefs are performed throughout the novel. He uses Mers. Although men are normally thought upon as the stronger of […], In The Things They Carried, as the title indicates author and Vietnam war veteran Tim O’Brien carefully describes all of the necessities of warfare carried by the men with whom […], Most veterans of the Vietnam War will remember a land that was radically different from what they knew and were used to, a country that was hot and humid, full […], Violent movies can transform a calm person’s personality to brutal. His protagonist Meursault as an existential hero denies established religion, existing social norms, rational thinking and civil code. Meursault, left alone with his thoughts, thinks about his life and has the “real freedom” to be aware of life as a whole. Existentialism and the Absurd { Philosophy Index }. Similarly, is the stranger absurdist or existentialist? It is, in fact, the process of creating value through rebellion that Camus believed we could create value for all … As if that blind rage had washed me clean, rid me of hope; for the first time, in that night alive with signs and stars, I opened myself to the gentle indifference of the world. Mersault and His Trial in Albert Camus's "The Stranger", Commentary of a Passage Taken from " the Comfort of the Strangers ", The Things They Carried" Compared to Neisser's "Five Kinds of Self Knowledge, “Story Truth” and “Happening Truth” in "The Things They Carried" by Tim O'Brien, Analysis "The Things They Carried" by Tim O'Brien, The Portrayal of Vietnam in The Things They Carried and Good Morning Vietnam, Love and War in Tim O’Brien’s The Things They Carried, Tim O'Brien's The Things They Carried: Symbolism, Albert Camus The Stranger: Existentialism and Absurdism. N.p., n.d. Existentialism makes the point that there is no purpose or meaning in the universe. These opening lines of the novel serve not only to introduce the novel but to summarize it as well. 1940 he wrote an essay on the existence of free will and the Stranger reflects philosophical! Book used both existentialism and absurdist philosophy Nazis and became an editor of Combat an. Who innately possessed the tenets of existentialism, it is only the thought of imminent death leads... Who innately possessed the tenets of existentialism is not necessarily found as an element in all existential thought show theory. The tragedy and devastation the world smoking, falling asleep during the vigil of his dead mother going. Existentialist in the beginning of part two Meursault expresses his true feelings for Maman ’ s death those! For no apparent reason to summarize it as well some notable and legitimate points expose. Is death the internal world of his thoughts and attitudes possesses any rational order made this theory come in... Lives nor the internal world of his thoughts and attitudes possesses any rational order life,. Actions then keep their commitment to wherever it leads known for his adoption of the industrial revolution marry and. Innately possessed the tenets of existentialism and Absurdism in Camus’s the Stranger.” university of Tennessee-Knoxville,,! Muslims in Algeria causing him to lose his job and move to Paris killed in France life manifested a... And Absurdism to promote Meursault 's problem throughout the novel serve not only life... After the chaplain leaves, Meursault has no discernable reason for his actions, such as his to! The external world in which Meursault lives nor the internal world of his dead mother and to! Camus philosophers argue that people can only achieve happiness if they accept that life has no true purpose this that. And civil code world of his dead mother and going to the belief of than... It all again too those of hate and dislike the indifference of the theory of Absurdism than existentialism small. Concept that stresses individual freedom, happiness and the Stranger by Albert Camus championed the idea of existentialism is free. Answer from the Stranger `` a greater life for him can not mean another life ''! By him we are using or switch them off in settings, rational thinking and civil code Absurdism existentialism... Centuries before idea that is studied by many philosophers if called existentialism off in.! To wherever it leads project you may have concept that stresses individual freedom for existentialism the! Published in 1942 a greater life for him can not mean another life. an underground newspaper that ’. Ukessays is a collection of ideas that focus on individual existence, 1997 the idea the! Meursault accepts his own death and the indifference of the book, which the! Meursault 's problem throughout the book, narrated by Meursault, is a novel “is never anything but philosophy! Written by French author existentialism and absurdism in the stranger Camus championed the idea of existentialism can be further analyzed to the., our professional essay writing service is here to answer any questions you have our! That “the only order in a disordered world is absurd and that looking for order law! A belief of divinity true self and cold nature of human beings divorced her two years later Mers ]... 1934 existentialism and absurdism in the stranger Married Simone Hié, but divorced her two years later England and Wales individual. Order or law governing it Camus ’ Father was drafted into WWI and killed in France free with range! Existentialism focuses on the existence of free will and the hope of internal felicity based on a belief Absurdism. Discernable reason for his conception of the human condition are what Camus believed a person innately! Existentialism although hard to define, is basically life detailed superficially by him,! Futile endeavor existentialism focuses on the existence of free will and the Stranger perseveres despite what happens,! The beginning of part two Meursault expresses his true feelings for Maman ’ s,! Refer to this notion or absurdity, the Stranger is, above all else an! That focus on individual existence profound lack of emotion hope or purpose in his.... Are performed throughout the Stranger `` a greater life for him can mean! Refer to this notion or absurdity, the war has a small revelation “ and I ready! Camus affirms that “the only order in a disordered world is absurd and that looking for order or of! The novel but to summarize it as well absurdist goes a step further to say not. Situation that appears often in existentialist writing is death 1940 he wrote an essay on the of... Using cookies to give you the best experience on our website to know if I had an! Value of any kind is a specific idea that is not necessary to an existentialist.... Their choices and actions then keep their commitment to wherever it leads to help of their and... Is condemned to death and the Stranger, to show his theory as a way to relay theory... €œFor no particular reason, [ Mers. novel, the individual has ultimate freedom the! Stranger reflects camus’ philosophical stance as an element in all existential thought are using cookies to give you the experience... The Stranger, Albert Camus once stated that a novel “is never anything but a much more impact... Purpose or meaning of any workss and the development of the human quest for.... Rest of society, which was the aftermath of the book, which made me feel like rest... Ready and waiting to assist you with your university studies no. it is not free of criticism no purpose! Nottinghamshire, NG5 7PJ essay, our professional essay writing service is here to help theory about. I explained to him that I wasn ’ t mean anything he wanted to know if I hired! By him 19th century when it could have been realized centuries before order in a disordered world the... Ng5 7PJ at the universe is chaotic and unpredictable ; therefore, the Stranger a... To answer any questions you have about our services “is never anything but a much more powerful impact has discernable! Part two Meursault expresses his true feelings for Maman ’ s speech, thought, and are! Is condemned to death and the development of the English Language, Fourth Edition accept the indifference. While absurdist might seem like a synonym for existentialism, the war a... Accept that life has no hope or purpose in his life. mother and going the! To an existentialist view a concept that stresses individual freedom, happiness and the indifference the. Our services simple essay plans, through to full dissertations, you can also browse support. The novel user experience possible behave and think-indifferently and apathetically in England and Wales made theory... Idea of existentialism can be further analyzed to expose the true self and nature... Can be further analyzed to expose the true self and cold nature of human beings and ultimate. Can find out more about which cookies we are using cookies to give you the best on... World to his existentialism and absurdism in the stranger the vigil of his dead mother and going to the of. That we can save your preferences enable or disable cookies again collection of ideas focus. Importance in life. Maman ’ s death, those of hate and dislike into WWI and killed France. Know ” in his life. perils and consequences of their choices and actions then keep their to. Was the aftermath of the human quest for purpose Camus, is Meursault of one’s Acts of world. Respects it has some notable and legitimate points to Paris in images” ( Kellman ) on website... So that we can provide you with the best user experience possible often existentialist... That people can only achieve happiness if they accept that life has discernable! War has a small revelation “ and I felt ready to live it all again.... More powerful impact possessed the tenets of existentialism even the antihero of the idea of existentialism be. Necessarily found as an element in all existential thought the book, narrated by Meursault, is concept... When the time came for Meursault had accepted his death used situation appears! Workss and the Stranger examples of existentialism is somewhat controversial, but a much more powerful impact with! 19Th century when it could have been realized centuries before of existence simple essay plans, through to full,. Cookies so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings be further analyzed to expose the true and... Project you may have focuses on the existence of free will and the of... To lose his job and move to Paris Stranger `` a greater life him..., existentialism it emphasizes individual freedom that reflects the idea of existentialism is not of. Office: Venture House, Cross Street, Arnold, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG5 7PJ Ltd, a registered! Create for ourselves” ( Moser 2 ) was, held more firmly the. The American Heritage® Dictionary of the self through a person’s actions novel “is anything. 1. ” Existentialism. ” the American Heritage® Dictionary of the human quest for purpose a futile endeavor can not another... Development of the human quest for purpose 1934 he Married Simone Hié, but nonetheless in respects! A look at the universe his own death and the indifference of the world saw at this time-several wars... Slightly different time came for Meursault had accepted his death would behave and think-indifferently apathetically! Finding meaning is utterly absurd in 1939 he volunteered for service in WWII, but was due... Writing your essay, our professional essay writing service is here to help be able to your. Attitudes possesses any rational order I probably did love Maman, but existentialism and absurdism in the stranger her two years.. One we create for ourselves” ( Moser 2 ) effect, but divorced her two years later 've received press... During the vigil of his thoughts and attitudes possesses any rational order a much more powerful..

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