by Devyanshi Chakraborty
"Why do we exist?” Throughout our lives, we all seek a sense of meaning and purpose. Some argue that we create our own meaning, others contend that seeking meaning is in conflict with life's inherent pointlessness.
French philosopher, Albert Camus, was an advocate for the latter. He proposed that life is without purpose. This philosophy, known as absurdism, explores the tension between man's innate desire for meaning and the universe's indifference. His seminal work, “The Stranger”, also known as “The Outsider”, encapsulates this philosophy, inviting readers to question the constructs of morality, identity, and societal expectations.
The book follows the protagonist, Meursault, through a series of events leading to an act of violence, followed by his trial and execution. Camus uses Meursault's character to show how absurdism manifests in everyday life. For instance, at his mother's funeral, he remains emotionally detached, more concerned with the physical discomfort caused by the heat than the loss itself. As he navigates his impending trial, his character remains apathetic with a lack of remorse or defiance, creating an image of the absurd hero, who confronts his destiny with a stoic acceptance. The novel's narrative structure also reinforces this theme with emotionless narration and meticulous attention to mundane details of everyday life.
Existential angst, central to the novel, remains relevant today as individuals confront the search for meaning in their lives. The quest for authenticity and the fear of living a life devoid of significance parallel Meursault's journey. Modern literature, art, and media frequently explore these themes, reflecting humanity’s ongoing struggle to find purpose in a world that seems increasingly distant, driven by a world that challenges traditional beliefs and offers no inherent purpose or moral framework. Camus' lens of absurdism critiques modern society's emphasis on superficiality and the pursuit of fleeting happiness. By questioning these norms, Camus invites readers to reconsider their values and actions in the context of an absurd world.
“The Stranger” is regarded as a classic examination of existential thought and a reminder of the continuing influence of literature on how we perceive the human experience. Does it definitively answer the question of why we exist? Not quite. Yet, within its philosophical depths, it reminds us that the search for a "why" may ultimately be futile in a world that defies such idealistic conclusions.
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