The stranger philosophy existentialism. Existentialism In The Stranger 2022-12-29

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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.

Camus: The Stranger And Existentialism

the stranger philosophy existentialism

The book is written in two parts and each part seems to reflect in large degree the actions occurring in the other. This part of the novel shows how Mersault is not only a stranger to his experiences in life, but also to nature. The protagonist, Meursault, is a perfect example of an existential hero. First you exist, and then the individual emerges as life decisions are made. That was the mind of Jean-Paul Sartre. One aspect that is questionable is our ability to continuously reinvent ourselves through our actions.


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The Philosophy of Time (Existentialism)

the stranger philosophy existentialism

These opening lines of the novel serve not only to introduce the novel but to summarize it as well. That is the key reason this book is referred to as a panicle example of existentialism and also corresponds with the quote; Existentialism In Albert Camus's The Stranger Existentialism is a form of living a certain way but not living at all. His motives are clearly different than to just shoot the man because he was a threat. Camus exemplifies this in part two, chapter five: If something is going to happen to me, I want to be there. His entire being is unemotional.


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The Stranger: Existentialism

the stranger philosophy existentialism

He also kills an Arab man for no apparent reason. Why do we believe anything at all. As time ensues it slowly defaces the things we presently value, always running in one direction to eventually destroy them. He comes to terms with the idea that death is unavoidable, comforting him. It is a response to the disconnection that people feel in the modern world.


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Existential Symbolism in The Stranger by Albert Camus Free Essay Sample on blog.sigma-systems.com

the stranger philosophy existentialism

The heat had beaten him down so hard at this point that his sweat began to form a film on his eyes making it hard for him to see. After hearing about the death of his mother, he travels to the nursing home that that he put her in after no longer being able to financially provide for the both of them. Albert Camus is constantly using the symbolism of the Sun and Sea in The Stranger. The strongest factor of existentialism is evident at the end of the book when he is sentenced to death. Camus additionally feared early death and worked incredibly quickly on his works before it would be too late for him to accomplish anything.

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Existentialism In The Stranger, By Albert Camus

the stranger philosophy existentialism

For the first time, the sun and his sensual pleasures begin to act against him, and cause him to lose control. The novels can both be described as existentialist investigations. Albert Camus advanced the philosophy of the Absurd in his writings. However, the two are, in fact, significantly different in thought. He places no faith in justice or authority figures. In other words, first you exist, and then the individual emerges as life decisions are made.

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Existentialism in The Stranger by Albert Camus

the stranger philosophy existentialism

Until the conclusion, he was a stranger to himself as well as to the rest of the world. He is more concerned about the time of death, and not the fact that he just lost a loved one. He realizes that life is meaningless and the world is irrational. The Stranger could have been more realistic if it related with the normal things people do every day. One example is the court case that Meursault was involved in.

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Existentialism in The Stranger (The Outsider)

the stranger philosophy existentialism

There are numerous meanings to the title, The Stranger, one is that if you live a life different than what society accepts, then you are a stranger; an outcast, and will be punished by the rest of society. The onlookers present do not understand him; in fact, they are afraid of him. The theme of existentialism is shown throughout the entire novel through the character Meursault. Existentialists view the human life as having no meaningful value. This perspective undoubtedly set the foundation for his adoption of the theory of existentialism. Existentialism and its brother philosophy Absurdist 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 discernible purpose. Camus used his ideas on existentialism and pushed them towards the reader hoping they would jump on his side and understand that life is up to the individual rather than God.

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What Is Existentialism In The Stranger

the stranger philosophy existentialism

The author of The Stranger, Albert Camus, uses the symbolism of the sun, and the imagery of a first person narrator to shape his tone when describing his view of existentialism to the readers. Life is full of choice, and he could have easily avoided this situation. So it is maintained existence is the first and central problem. Our lives will tumble down hills, with known beginnings and known ends, unless we fight for something in our identities, something unique to our subjectivity. This shows how Mersault is not only a stranger to his experiences in life, but also to nature. In the view of the existentialist, the individual's starting point is characterized by what has been called "the existential attitude", or a sense of disorientation and confusion in the face of an apparently meaningless or absurd world. I may be projecting my own angst onto you.

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