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.
In Sophocles' play "Oedipus Rex," the character of Tiresias plays a crucial role as a prophet and advisor to the tragic hero, Oedipus. Tiresias is a blind seer who possesses knowledge of the future and the truth about Oedipus' past.
At the beginning of the play, Tiresias is summoned by Oedipus to help solve the mystery of the plague that has struck Thebes. Oedipus is desperate to find the cause of the plague and believes that Tiresias, with his divine powers of prophecy, will be able to provide the answer. However, Tiresias initially refuses to speak, stating that he knows the truth but does not want to reveal it. This refusal only serves to frustrate and anger Oedipus, who becomes convinced that Tiresias is hiding something from him.
As the play progresses, Tiresias becomes more and more central to the plot. He eventually reveals to Oedipus that the cause of the plague is the fact that Oedipus himself has unknowingly killed his father and married his mother. Tiresias speaks in cryptic terms, stating that Oedipus is "the most miserable of men" and that he has "polluted the bed of his own children." Despite the harshness of these words, Tiresias also expresses sympathy for Oedipus, stating that he did not knowingly commit these crimes and urging him to "see the truth, however much it hurts."
Throughout the play, Tiresias serves as a foil for Oedipus, representing the power of divine knowledge and foresight in contrast to Oedipus' overconfidence and reliance on his own intellect. Tiresias' blindness also serves as a metaphor for the limitations of human understanding and the importance of accepting one's fate. Despite Oedipus' initial disbelief and anger towards Tiresias, he eventually comes to accept the truth and takes responsibility for his actions, leading to his tragic downfall.
In conclusion, the character of Tiresias in "Oedipus Rex" is a complex and multifaceted figure who serves as both a prophet and a foil for the tragic hero, Oedipus. His role as a seer and his possession of divine knowledge serve as a commentary on the limitations of human understanding and the power of fate.
