The stranger philosophy existentialism. Theme of Existentialism in The Stranger by Albert Camus 2022-10-22

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Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emerged in the 20th century, focusing on the individual's experience of freedom and responsibility in a seemingly meaningless and absurd world. One novel that exemplifies the tenets of existentialism is "The Stranger" by Albert Camus.

The main character in "The Stranger," Meursault, is a young man who lives in Algiers and works as a clerk. He is described as emotionally detached and indifferent to the people and events around him. When his mother dies, he does not display any signs of grief or sadness, and when he is later accused of murder, he shows no remorse or guilt.

Meursault's detachment and lack of emotion can be seen as a reflection of his existentialist beliefs. Existentialists believe that individuals are responsible for creating their own meaning in life, and that this meaning is subjective and personal. Meursault's detachment from the expectations and emotions of society can be seen as a rejection of the prescribed meaning of life that is imposed upon him.

In "The Stranger," Camus also explores the concept of absurdity, which is central to existentialist philosophy. Absurdity refers to the inherent meaninglessness of life, and the fact that individuals must confront this meaninglessness head on. Meursault's trial and execution can be seen as an example of this absurdity, as he is punished for a crime that he does not feel guilty about, and that seems to have no real significance in the grand scheme of things.

Another key aspect of existentialism is the concept of freedom and choice. Existentialists believe that individuals have the freedom to make their own choices and shape their own lives, and that this freedom can be both a source of joy and a burden. Meursault's choices throughout "The Stranger" reflect this belief, as he makes decisions that go against societal norms and expectations, and ultimately pays the price for his freedom.

In conclusion, "The Stranger" by Albert Camus is a prime example of existentialist philosophy, as it explores themes of meaninglessness, absurdity, and freedom in the context of an individual's experience. Through the character of Meursault, Camus illustrates the challenges and responsibilities that come with living in a seemingly meaningless world, and the importance of creating one's own meaning and purpose in life.

The Stranger, Albert Camus

the stranger philosophy existentialism

For this reason, existentialists are wrong for no meaning in life, but they are right for saying that people should choose and create a meaning in life. Throughout the whole story, his actions and the things he says makes him fit into the category of an existentialist, a person who follows existentialism. Such a statement could depict Meursault as heartless and incapable of feeling love, but he is just expressing his opinion on the social construct of marriage and the hollow expressions of love. These two beliefs lead him to kill an Arab man, an act which is considered morally wrong by society. This book used both Existentialism and Absurdism to promote Meursault 's problem throughout the book. Why should we do anything if all comes to an end soon enough? Creating own meaning in life is right but does this go against faith? However, when analyzing existentialism, it means so much more.

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The Philosophy of Time (Existentialism)

the stranger philosophy existentialism

However, there are certain key elements common to existentialist thoughts. Due to these tendencies and his abnormal reactions to his surroundings, Meursault is vulnerable. Exist is a strong word that emphasizes individual existence and freedom of choice. When he is in court, every time he is questioned about the murder, he alway relates back to how hot the scene was. The first person view conveyed by Camus is perfect when describing an event that hinges on the failure to clarify. Muralist has no discernible reason for his actions, such as his decision to marry Marie and his decision to kill the Arab. The main theme in The Stranger is that life is absurd.

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Albert Camus The Stranger: Existentialism and Absurdism Compare and Contrast Essay Example

the stranger philosophy existentialism

Either he was not close to his mother or her death had little to no effect on him. He is a stranger to himself and to others around him. The philosophy Albert Camus wrote most about was existentialism. Meursault is a passive man, unmotivated to the individual leading a life of judgment and denial. In the beginning of the novel, he alienated himself from the rest of society because it was felt more comfortable and it required the least amount of effort. A moment, captured on camera on 16 th October 2018, from one of my favourite ever gigs.

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Existentialism In Meursault's The Stranger

the stranger philosophy existentialism

The way that George shoots Lennie, his best friend will not need to experience the pain. The absurdity of the murder is what makes it a good portrayal of the concept of existentialism. Existence is essential and fundamental: Being cannot be made a topic of objective study. The Universe is ruthless and moves with unfathomable plans to spite our quests for meaning in it. The absurdity of the murder is what makes it a good portrayal of the concept of existentialism. Mersault shoots the Arab because of his physical discomfort with his surroundings, but in any case he consciously makes the decision to shoot the Arab. There are several existential themes displayed in The Stranger.

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Existentialism In The Stranger, By Albert Camus

the stranger philosophy existentialism

What it means is that man is created on this earth and is nothing but a body, blood and guts. They believe that to understand what it means to be human requires understanding of themselves first. The more I think about it, the more I am spited in a slow death. His novel does show that a novel is only a philosophy expressed in images because throughout the novel the main theme was existentialism. The actions that he takes throughout the novel often align with those of an existentialist. Meursault is an outcast in society; therefore he cannot relate to others because he does not live as they do.

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The Stranger: Existentialism

the stranger philosophy existentialism

The beginning of the novel shows this acceptance and embracement of the absurd. Camus portrays the world as absurd or without purpose Meaursalt, who, as a reflection of Camus, is foreign and indifferent to his own life and death. Existentialists are known to think and do for themselves only. Since most people are born into religion, they do not have true faith. Smells of night, earth, and salt were cooling my temples.

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Existentialism In The Stranger

the stranger philosophy existentialism

Throughout the novel Meursault is apathetic, detached, and a stranger to society. In result of this he is acting out and showing anger towards her. They also maintain that the problem of being ought to take precedence in all philosophical inquiry. Sartre, who is considered one of the great philosophical minds, based many of his ideas around the idea of existentialism and phenomenology. The decision that George did for Lennie was merciful, he was killing Lennie just to save him from the painful death that Curley was planning for him. Although I primarily consider myself a writer instead of a philosopher and I deny being an existentialist, the philosophy I most agree with is indeed existentialism.

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The Philosophy Of Existentialism In The Stranger By Albert...

the stranger philosophy existentialism

Existentialism in The Stranger Existentialism is a philosophy that emphasizes a few main points, such as the freedom to choose and the choices you make should be made without the assistance of another person or standard. Existentialism Existentialism, which spread rapidly over continental Europe after the First World War, is essentially the analysis of the condition of man, of the particular state of being free, and of man's having constantly to use his freedom in order top answer the ever- changing and unexpected challenges of the day. I, for one, want to tackle my relationship with destruction head-on. But when existentialism is applied, choice no longer matters for the overall outcome. Distraction is about calibrating ourselves to 'live in the moment' for as ignorantly long as possible, without an awareness of external change. Existentialists believe that humans must create their own meaning in life, as there is no inherent meaning in the universe.

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What Is Existentialism In The Stranger

the stranger philosophy existentialism

Some things unreasonable without an answer. The novel, The Stranger, written by French author Albert Camus, is a philosophical fiction piece published in 1942. From the beginning of this novel, the symbol of sun and the sea evoked this image of violence into the readers. While this is possible, the majorities of people stick to old ways of doing things, or follow others blindly. Beliefs of existentialism are, Man cannot better himself meaning, living life without trying and just doing. The meaningless shows missing any obvious meaning to our life. Okay, I definitely am.


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