“The Stranger” is a novel written by Albert Camus in 1942. It is a work of fiction that explores the philosophy of existentialism and the absurdity of human existence. The novel follows the story of Meursault, a detached and apathetic Algerian, as he navigates life with a sense of indifference to moral codes.
One of the most intriguing aspects of “The Stranger” is its use of allegory. Throughout the novel, Camus employs various symbols and motifs to convey deeper meanings and themes. For instance, the courtroom symbolizes society as a whole, and the law functions as the will of the people. The sun, heat, and weather are also used allegorically to represent Meursault’s emotional state and the absurdity of his existence. By exploring these allegories, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the novel’s themes and messages.
In this article, we will explore the various allegories used in “The Stranger” and their significance. By examining the symbols and motifs employed by Camus, we can gain a greater appreciation for the novel’s philosophical underpinnings and its place in the canon of existentialist literature. Whether you are a student of literature, philosophy, or simply a fan of thought-provoking fiction, this article will provide valuable insights into one of the most iconic novels of the 20th century.
Context of “The Stranger”
“The Stranger” is a novel written by Albert Camus, which was first published in 1942. The book is a philosophical exploration of the concept of the absurd, which Camus defines as the conflict between the human desire for meaning and the inherent meaninglessness of the world.
The novel is set in French Algiers and follows the story of Meursault, a French Algerian who kills an Arab man and is subsequently put on trial. The book is written in the first person, from Meursault’s perspective, and explores themes such as alienation, existentialism, and the human condition.
“The Stranger” was part of a cycle of works that also included an essay, “The Myth of Sisyphus,” and the play “Caligula.” It was “The Stranger” and “The Myth of Sisyphus” that established Camus’s reputation as one of the brightest literary figures of his day.
The novel was initially met with mixed reviews, with some critics praising its philosophical depth and others criticizing its lack of character development. However, over time, “The Stranger” has become one of the most widely read and studied works of existentialist literature.
Overview of Allegorical Elements
Albert Camus’ novel, The Stranger, is a work of absurdist fiction that explores themes of existentialism, morality, and the human condition. The novel is filled with allegorical elements that give readers a deeper understanding of the story.
Meursault as an Absurdist Hero
Meursault, the protagonist of the novel, is an absurdist hero who embodies the philosophy of absurdism. He is a man who is indifferent to the world around him and does not conform to societal norms. Meursault’s lack of emotion and his inability to feel remorse or guilt for his actions make him a symbol of the absurdity of human existence.
The Sun and Nature
The sun and nature are important allegorical elements in The Stranger. The sun represents the harsh reality of life and the indifference of the universe to human suffering. Meursault’s obsession with the sun reflects his own existential crisis and his struggle to find meaning in a world that seems meaningless. Nature, on the other hand, represents the natural order of things and the inevitability of death. The natural world is indifferent to human suffering and does not care about the fate of individuals.
Symbolism in “The Stranger”
The Courtroom as Society’s Judgement
In “The Stranger,” the courtroom serves as a symbol of society’s judgment. The law is the will of the people, and the jury represents the entire community. Camus strengthens this symbolism by having almost every one of the minor characters in the novel appear in the courtroom. The judge is portrayed as the self-proclaimed “moral umpire,” making all the decisions. Meursault, the protagonist, is on trial for his life, and the courtroom is where society judges him. The courtroom symbolizes the absurdity of life, where one’s fate is determined by others.
The Arab and Colonialism
The Arab in “The Stranger” represents the idea of colonialism. The Arab is nameless, and his identity is unknown, which emphasizes his dehumanization. He is portrayed as a faceless enemy, and his death is not mourned by anyone. The Arab represents the oppressed, colonized people who are stripped of their identity and forced to live under the rule of others. Meursault’s murder of the Arab symbolizes the violence and cruelty of colonialism.
Character Analysis and Allegory
Meursault’s Relationships
Meursault, the protagonist of The Stranger, is a man who is indifferent to the world around him. He has no sense of morality or empathy, which makes it difficult for him to form meaningful relationships. His relationships with Marie and Raymond are purely physical and lack any emotional depth. Meursault’s relationship with his mother is also strained, as he is not able to express any grief or sadness at her death.
The allegory in Meursault’s relationships lies in the fact that he represents the absurdity of life. His lack of emotion and attachment to others is a reflection of the meaningless and unpredictable nature of life. Meursault’s relationships are devoid of any purpose or significance, just like life itself.
Secondary Characters’ Symbolic Roles
The secondary characters in The Stranger also play symbolic roles in the allegory of the novel. The prosecutor represents society’s need for order and justice, while the judge represents the moral compass of society. The Arab symbolizes the unknown and the other, which Meursault cannot comprehend or relate to.
The old, odd, robotic woman who appears at the funeral of Meursault’s mother represents death and the inevitability of it. The sun, heat, and weather represent the oppressive nature of society and its expectations.
Philosophical Underpinnings
Existentialism in ‘The Stranger’
The Stranger is a novel that embodies the principles of existentialism, which is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual freedom and choice. The protagonist, Meursault, is portrayed as an individual who is detached from the society and is indifferent to the norms and values of the society. He is not concerned with the meaning of life and does not believe in the existence of a higher power. Meursault’s existentialist philosophy is reflected in his actions, as he chooses to live his life on his own terms.
Absurdism and Its Manifestations
Absurdism is another philosophical concept that is reflected in The Stranger. The novel portrays the world as an irrational and meaningless place, where human existence is absurd. Meursault’s indifference to life and his lack of emotional response to events around him reflect the absurdity of human existence. The novel also highlights the absurdity of the justice system, where Meursault is sentenced to death not for his crime but for his lack of remorse.
Critical Reception and Interpretations
Initial Reception
When “The Stranger” was first published, it received mixed reviews. Some critics praised the work for its exploration of existentialist themes, while others criticized its perceived lack of morality and emotion. However, over time, the novel has become widely recognized as a literary masterpiece.
In the years following its publication, “The Stranger” has been interpreted in many different ways. Some readers see it as a critique of society’s values and norms, while others view it as a commentary on the human condition. Regardless of interpretation, the novel’s themes of isolation, alienation, and absurdity continue to resonate with readers today.
Modern Perspectives
In recent years, “The Stranger” has been reevaluated by literary scholars and critics. Some have focused on the novel’s use of allegory and symbolism, arguing that it is a commentary on the nature of existence. Others have examined the novel’s treatment of race and colonialism, noting its portrayal of the Arab characters as one-dimensional and stereotypical.
Comparative Analysis
‘The Stranger’ and Camus’s Other Works
As a writer, Albert Camus is known for his philosophical and existential themes. In his other works, such as “The Plague” and “The Myth of Sisyphus,” he explores the absurdity of life and the human condition. “The Stranger” is no exception, as it also delves into these topics through the character of Meursault.
However, “The Stranger” stands out from Camus’s other works in its use of allegory. While his other works are more straightforward in their exploration of existentialism, “The Stranger” uses symbolism to convey deeper meanings. For example, the sun and heat are used to represent Meursault’s emotional state and his detachment from society.
‘The Stranger’ in the Context of World Literature
“The Stranger” is considered a classic of modern literature and has been translated into numerous languages. Its themes of existentialism and the absurdity of life have resonated with readers around the world.
In terms of literary style, “The Stranger” is often compared to the works of Franz Kafka and Samuel Beckett. Like Kafka’s “The Trial,” “The Stranger” explores the theme of a man caught in a web of circumstances beyond his control. Meanwhile, Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot” shares with “The Stranger” a sense of existential dread and the meaninglessness of life.