On "The Stranger" by Albert Camus.

In a world where conformity often reigns supreme, Albert Camus' "The Stranger" stands as a defiant philosophical masterpiece. Camus, a rebel of his own kind, didn't just pen a novel; he dissected the very essence of existence through the eyes of his protagonist, Meursault. In doing so, he thrust himself into the spotlight of existentialism and absurdism, even if he played coy about it. Camus was no mere philosopher; he was a provocateur in the political arena of the Cold War, rejecting both communism and capitalism. But regardless of his self-denials, his literary creations continued to propel him into the pantheon of modern philosophers, raising profound existential and absurdist questions.

Published in 1942, this French novel unfolds in the world of French-colonized Algeria. Camus paints the narrative with blunt language, and the message, if any, remains elusive until the closing chapters. Meursault, our protagonist, is a man consumed by the notion of absurdism – the belief that human existence is inherently devoid of meaning and purpose. Society, however, views him with suspicion, especially after he commits the murder of an Arab. Meursault's unconventional beliefs alienate him from the mainstream, as many suspect he operates on a different mental wavelength.

The novel starts with the death of Meursault's mother sometime in the 1940s. His indifference to the exact date of her demise sets the stage for his character's enigmatic detachment. He exhibits an uncanny lack of emotion when faced with the passing of a loved one, as evidenced by his curt remark, "Mother died today. Or, maybe, yesterday; I can't be sure." Meursault's refusal to view his mother's body or shed a tear paints a portrait of disconnection from his own family. This peculiar behaviour raises eyebrows and elicits awkward interactions, such as his exchange with a caretaker at the nursery home. His indifference to conventional mourning customs marks him as an outsider.

As the narrative unfolds, Meursault's aversion to the scorching sun intensifies, ultimately leading him to commit murder. This murder is intrinsically linked to his obsession with the heat – a connection that transcends mere coincidence. The catalyst for this violent act is his acquaintance, Raymond, a man who doesn't exactly conform to societal norms. Raymond's abusive treatment of his ex-girlfriend and the ensuing confrontation with her Arab brothers thrust Meursault into a situation where the relentless sun triggers an impulsive killing.

The murder serves as a stark departure from societal norms and moral values, leading to Meursault's conviction and death penalty sentence. His trial becomes a showcase of his perceived heartlessness, with his lack of tears at his mother's funeral repeatedly emphasized. Meursault's attempt to blame the sun for his actions fails to sway the jury. He rationalizes his reactions to his mother's death, further alienating him from societal norms. In the eyes of the jury, his conviction becomes an easy decision.

Facing imminent execution, Meursault is approached by a clerk who urges him to repent in the eyes of God. Meursault's vehement rejection of religion and the concept of a higher power ignites anger within him. He despises the world and its entrenched beliefs, unable to conform to the norms that govern society. His steadfast refusal to yield to societal expectations further cements his status as the "other."

As the hours tick away towards his execution, Meursault reflects on the value of life. He experiences a profound realization that life is precious and should be cherished. Despite his existentialist philosophy, he finds himself yearning for the beauty of life. In his final moments, he recalls his mother and empathizes with her, revealing a newfound understanding. This revelation dismantles his absurdist philosophy, demonstrating his alignment with society's beliefs. Sadly, he never gets the chance to share his inner transformation with the world.

Throughout the novel, Meursault's peculiar philosophy and psyche render him an outcast. Society's judgment of him is evident in various encounters, starting with his unemotional response to his mother's death. His mother's friends find his behaviour strange, and his lack of tears raises suspicions about his character. The death penalty he faces is largely a consequence of his perceived heartlessness at his mother's funeral. The murder of the Arab serves as another turning point, highlighting his departure from societal norms and moral standards.

The historical and social context of colonial Algeria further complicates Meursault's interactions. The prevalent racist ideals and colonial dynamics contribute to the dehumanization of the Arab population, making Meursault's apathy towards their lives all the more striking.

"The Stranger" is not just a novel; it's a reflection on the human condition and the consequences of nonconformity. Camus challenges us to question our own beliefs and conformity in a world that often demands adherence to established norms. In the end, Meursault's character reminds us that even the most unconventional perspectives can reveal surprising depths of humanity.