Death Is The Only Thing That Kept Mersault Sane In Jail

What is existentialism? Existentialism defined by merrian-webster.com is a chiefly 20th century philosophical movement and embracing diverse doctrines, but venting in analysis of individual existence in an unfathomable universe and the light of the individual when must assume ultimate responsibility for acts of free will without any certain knowledge of what is right or wrong or good or bad. (Existentialism) Existentialism means that only an individual can define what their life is through free will; the ability to choose on their own and defining their own term to what being alive is since it is believed that life goes on and that there is no effect for any choice made. Life if full of uncertainty, but an existentialist embraces the uncertainty.

This was shown when he said “death had cornered me.” (Camus 71) The only thing that kept Mersault sane in jail was the idea that everyone dies at one point. Mersault was not concerned that he was going to die because he knew that one day this day would come. Instead he felt a moment of independence from society. Society always viewed him as the outcast since he never obeyed the “rules” of society. Mersault always lived in the moment and even in jail he felt no regrets for any of the decisions that he made throughout his life. He was in fact happy that the people who were going to watch his death were full of hatred for him, just like the people in the courtroom. He believed his life ended on a good note, rather than being concerned of where he was going after he passed away. The chaplain, however was concerned with Mersault’s relationship with the Lord and therefore went to him to talk to Mersault about the word of God and Jesus. Mersault was an atheist and did not turn to the Lord for His guidance and support. The chaplain did his best to talk Mersault out of becoming an atheist and putting his faith in the Lord when the chaplain claimed “God can help you” (Camus 72), Mersault denied the offer given since it would be more of a burden to place his faith in the Lord rather than a relief. Mersault knew he was going to die and decided to

Mersault did not love Marie, but was in it for the physical relationship the two of them had together. However, Mersault failed to realize that Marie was in love with and wanted to spend the rest of her life with him. When asked to marry, Mersault did not refuse, not because he loved her or she loved him, but for living in the moment he was not sure if he loved her. He claimed love had “no meaning, really”. (Camus 24) Even in prison, Marie did not leave his side because she loved him and was there to comfort him in what she believed was his time of need. In reality, Mersault had adapted to his where he was. Soon, however Marie was restricted from visiting Mersault because even though she loved him and wanted to be Mersault’s wife, they were not legally married. Therefore, Marie was restrained from meeting with Mersault. Mersault was content where he stood in life and would not have gone back and change any of the decisions or fix any of the relationships. This illustrated that Mersault was concerned with how he lived his life, rather than being focused on