An introductory text into absurdism and nihilism

It’s a classic absurdist and nihilist text, and it does not impress me the in the way that Waiting for Godot did in high school. Obviously the plot of L’étranger is more plausible. While the focus is on the protagonist’s morally devoid character, the happenings of the novel occur purely as a result of circumstances. The lack of character development may be explained by the perspective of Meursault who exhibits sociopathic behaviours. His thinking processes consider people as facts, they are relevant to him when they are in his vicinity, when they are absent they almost vanish from his conscience. Marie is beautiful, people conduct their business on the street, and the sun is oppressively hot. He lives hedonistically but accepts all which comes his way.

What interested me was the flaws of human justice processes that were raised, whereby the prosecutor drew a string of coincidental events into a flawless tapestry condemning Meursault to the guillotine. The idea that the defence lawyer and the prosecutor were into his soul rather than coming to a verdict purely on the basis of facts casts light on the complexities of human instinct and feeling that are often in direct opposition to logic and plain facts.
The murder scene was also interesting as the sensory overload Meursault experiences was reason enough to murder a stranger who he was not in direct conflict with, in fact the murdered man defended his sister from Raymond’s abuse. None of these details mattered in Meursault’s mind.

Overall, this English translation is sharp, effective and a solid introductory text into absurdist and nihilist philosophy. For this reason I imagine it is a required reading for Year 11 and 12 Extension English. As a French speaker, I wish to read the original French version because I believe it will be more enjoyable to me. I prefer the poetics of the French language and the feeling of proximity to the author through their native language.

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rtownend1's review against another edition

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dark inspiring reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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hjb_128's review against another edition

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dark reflective sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

5.0

Content Warnings

chloe_jade's review against another edition

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dark reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

It greatly concerns me how many people I’ve witnessed say they relate heavily to Meursault when in actuality they are incredibly introspective, deep-feeling, anxious and empathetic souls. Meursault’s complete lack of remorse and detachment to grief, love, connection and empathy appeared to point to psychopathy more than anything else.

I say this because the alienation was from a perpetual state of apathetic indifference to absolutely everything, not a temporary state of mind in which many of us have experienced. It’s not that he merely objects societal norms, he has no emotional access to any sort of morals or purpose. It’s a glass wall between his psyche and the world that cannot be shattered.

Meursault is incapable at lying to anyone, including himself. Even when his life is on the line, everything is matter-of-fact and insignificant.

I thoroughly enjoyed the prose on the sensory overload. I was mystified as to how Marie remained attached and loyal to such an empty vessel of a man - there was no backstory on her but this was very apt since the narrator was Meursault himself and well… it doesn’t make any difference to him.

Absolutely adored the final few pages. The interpretations could be debated to no end I’m sure, it’s simpler to pair up with Camus’ essays on absurdism. If you don’t enjoy thinking philosophically, the entire novella will likely bore you to death.

Content Warnings