Paper Summary:

The paper discusses how Albert Camus develops his theory of the absurd throughout this existential novel, "The Stranger". The paper explains that the novel is based on Camus' belief that there is no meaning or absolute truth in life. The paper demonstrates how throughout "The Stranger," the main character, Meursault, is clearly an unapologetic individual, who is uncaring and moved only through sensory experiences. The paper shows how this is used to reinforce Camus' message that there are only relative truths in life. The paper highlights Camus' belief that what we do, say and believe are only important to us and to those that they affect, but they are otherwise insignificant.

From the Paper:

"Absolute truth, according to Albert Camus, does not exist, and it is this theme, along with the absurdity of human existence, that he is attempting to portray throughout "The Stranger." Through the alienated character of Meursault, who is shallow, almost inhuman, and an unrecognizable member of the human race, Camus shows us that our actions do not matter when viewed through the eyes of an eternal universe. What we do, say, and believe, are only important to us, and, perhaps, to those that they affect, but they are not significant, and neither are they Truth. Camus' basic point within this is that the only things that are real are physical experiences.

Sample of Sources Used:

• The Stranger. Contributors: Albert Camus - author, Stuart Gilbert - transltr. Publisher: Vintage Books. Place of Publication: New York. Publication Year: 1954. Page Number: iii.

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