Rational Irrationality In The Stranger, By Albert Camus

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Rational Irrationality
“He (the magistrate) said it was impossible; all men believed in God, even those who turn their backs on him. That was his belief, and if he were ever to doubt it, his life would become meaningless”(69). This quote from The Stranger, by Albert Camus, expresses the notion of establishing logical reasons for the wrongdoings of others, when such reasons do not exist. One can see that society often judges people in a rational manner in the presence of an irrational event or purpose, basing their judgements on a single object or idea. In society, people often follow superstitions and beliefs that have developed permanently in the minds of ‘ordinary’ human beings while expecting everyone else to do the same. In the previous quote, the reader can see that the magistrate has developed a conclusion that all criminals, even Muersault, have committed crimes due to their …show more content…

He repeatedly asks Muersault if he believes in God, while Muersault’s reply remains a simple “No”. The magistrate has restricted his mind to faith in God and has based every circumstance to that standard of belief. Without it, there is no possible justification for any given crime or event. During their conversation, the Magistrate asks Muersault specific questions in search for regret and tears of forgiveness from God, but in this particular case, he receives none, leaving him in confusion and desperation for any sign of remorse. For example: “He simply asked…if I was sorry for what I had done. I thought about it for a minute and said that more than sorry I felt kind of annoyed…he didn’t understand”(70). Due to this mindset, the magistrate doesn’t understand Muersault’s feeling of annoyance. He couldn't grasp that Muersault sees this situation as

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