The Role of Society and Alienation in The Stranger by Albert Camus (1942)

The Role of Society and Alienation in The Stranger by Albert Camus (1942)

• Expanding the Roles:

The Stranger by Albert Camus follows Meursault, an emotionally detached man who is involved in the murder of an Arab man, and his subsequent trial. The novel explores themes of existentialism, the absurd, and the alienating effects of society. For literature students, The Stranger offers a deep dive into the individual’s struggle to find meaning in an indifferent world.

• Alienation and the Absurd:
  Meursault’s detachment from social norms and his lack of emotional reaction to significant events, like his mother’s death, reflect Camus’ existential philosophy. Students can explore how the novel examines the absurdity of life and the alienation that comes from trying to find meaning in a world that offers none.

• Existentialism and the Search for Meaning:
  The novel critiques the societal expectations that individuals must adhere to in order to find meaning. Literature students can analyze how Meursault’s indifference to conventional values challenges the notion of moral responsibility and existential purpose.

What We Learn:
The Stranger offers literature students an exploration of existentialism, alienation, and the human search for meaning. The novel encourages readers to question societal values and the purpose of life in an indifferent universe.