The Stranger is a novel written by Albert Camus in 1942. It tells the story of Meursault, a young man living in Algiers who becomes emotionally detached from the world around him after the death of his mother. The novel is often considered an example of absurdist literature, as it explores themes of absurdity, nihilism, and the human condition.
One example of the absurdity present in The Stranger is Meursault's lack of emotional response to the death of his mother. Despite being the protagonist of the novel, Meursault is unable to feel grief or sadness over his mother's death, and instead spends much of the time after her funeral casually chatting with his neighbors and even going to the beach. This detachment from his emotions is a clear example of the absurdity present in the novel, as it is not a typical or expected response to the loss of a loved one.
Another example of absurdity in The Stranger is Meursault's eventual murder of an Arab man on the beach. The murder is completely unprovoked and seems to happen almost by accident, with Meursault later stating that he killed the man because he was "too close" and the sun was in his eyes. The absurdity of this act is further highlighted by the fact that Meursault seems to have no remorse or guilt over the murder, and instead focuses on the practicalities of his impending trial.
In addition to absurdity, The Stranger also explores themes of nihilism and the human condition. Meursault's detachment from emotions and his lack of concern for the consequences of his actions can be seen as a form of nihilism, as he seems to lack any sense of purpose or meaning in life. This is further reflected in his statement that "nothing really mattered" and his belief that life is ultimately meaningless.
Overall, The Stranger is a powerful example of absurdist literature that explores themes of absurdity, nihilism, and the human condition. Through the character of Meursault, Camus presents a thought-provoking critique of modern society and the human experience.
An opinion essay is a written work in which the writer expresses their personal perspective or point of view on a particular topic. The purpose of an opinion essay is to present the writer's views on a particular subject and to persuade the reader to agree with those views.
One example of an opinion essay might be a piece on the importance of gun control laws in the United States. The writer might begin by stating their personal belief that gun control laws are necessary in order to reduce gun violence and protect citizens from harm. They might then go on to present evidence to support this view, such as statistics on gun violence rates in countries with strict gun control laws compared to those with more lenient laws.
Throughout the essay, the writer would use rhetorical strategies such as rhetorical questions, emotional appeals, and logical reasoning to try to persuade the reader to agree with their perspective. They might also address counterarguments, presenting evidence and logical reasoning to refute opposing viewpoints.
In conclusion, the writer might summarize their main points and restate their belief that gun control laws are necessary in order to reduce gun violence and protect citizens. They might also provide a call to action, urging the reader to take action to support gun control laws and make a positive impact on their community and society.
Overall, an opinion essay is a persuasive piece of writing that seeks to convince the reader to share the writer's perspective on a particular topic. By presenting evidence and using rhetorical strategies, the writer hopes to persuade the reader to agree with their viewpoint and take action to support their cause.
