The Stranger: An Examination of Camus's Quotation and its Meaning

This essay analyzes a key quotation from Albert Camus's *The Stranger*, exploring its connection to existentialism and the concept of the absurd. The essay examines the protagonist, Meursault's, experience of newfound freedom, and his indifference to the world, highlighting the quote's significance in reflecting his state of mind. The assignment delves into the protagonist's understanding of death and his acceptance of the world's indifference. The essay also touches upon the debate surrounding whether Camus's work aligns with existentialism or absurdism, emphasizing the protagonist's journey of self-discovery and how readers perceive him. The work cites Camus's novel and provides a critical perspective on the themes presented.

Running Head: DRAFT ON QUOTATION FROM “THE STRANGER” BY ALBERT
CAMUS
Draft on quotation from “The Stranger” by Albert Camus
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author Note:

1DRAFT ON QUOTATION FROM “THE STRANGER” BY ALBERT CAMUS
“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 (Camus).”
The quotation from Camus’ The Stranger connects Sartre notion of existentialism where
he states that “Man is condemned to be free; because once thrown into the world, he is
responsible for everything he does.” The above quoted passage reflects the similar state of mind
of the protagonist in the story The Stranger, Meursault is experiencing a sense of newly found
freedom where he has lost all hope. He opens himself to the “gentle indifference” of the world
that leads to the understanding of the nature of existence in the world. The previous lines reveal
the true nature of the protagonist who understood the meaning of death and knew that his mother
was finally being liberated; hence, no one should have shed tears for her death. Meursault is
known for his choices, which defines his essence. By living on his own terms, and sticking to his
decisions, he builds the life he wants which finally lets him to fact the world in its absolute
nature. However, Camus had rejected the tag of existentialism for his novel The Stranger.
Instead, the term absurd is perhaps more befitting. The absurdness in the story is more evident as
it is observed from the perspective of the readers. The protagonist becomes a stranger to himself,
before the epiphany dawns upon him that makes him realize his true sense of being. Camus
leaves the task of perceiving the protagonist as a stranger or the man Meursault had had always
been to his readers.

2DRAFT ON QUOTATION FROM “THE STRANGER” BY ALBERT CAMUS
Work Cited
Camus, Albert. The stranger. Vintage, 2012.