The Stranger, By Albert Camus

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Recommended: Themes of existentialism in the stranger

In The Stranger, Albert Camus uses Meursault and his experiences to convey the philosophy that man is full of anxiety and despair with no meaning in his life except for simple existence. The concept of existentialism is reflected through Meursault’s experiences with his mother’s death, his relationship with Marie, his murder of the Arab, and his own trial and execution. For example, Meursault's relationship with his mother seemed to be very strange. He really did not have an emotional connection with her, or anyone in general. It seems that he really did not care that she was dead because he said, “ Maman used to spend her time following me with her eyes, not saying a thing” (Camus 5). This could be interpreted by saying they just did not connect

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