Stranger or Outsider

Though a quick read, The Stranger provided an interesting perspective on existentialism while also diving deeper into an understanding of the quasi-meaningless main character of Meursault. The novel was almost bland at parts with lengthy descriptions of characters or their actions as well as detailed depictions of what seemed at the time implausible examinations of weather or a harsh courtroom. As readers, Meursault came off as a fool and unable to control his emotions or actions. That became most obvious when he killed the Arab man. His action son that day were perpetually aided by the beating sun, bursting on his face. It was almost like his blood had been boiling for so long he had to release. In relation to our world, Meursault embodied the carefree and worthless human we recognize only from the wanted ad or the news story. Yet the relationship presented between him and his mother exemplified his understanding of love and his realization of happiness. Like his mother, in the end, Meursault understood the importance of a mate or someone to love. Compared to his neighbor who beat his lover, Meursault wanted what only seemed like the physical from his lover. He treated her as if she was a slave and when separated  unlike his violent friend who cared about losing his love, Meursault seemed oblivious. Up front, the goal of the novel seemed only to help readers understand that life is meaningless and worthless and that death is the only solution. However after finishing the novel, The Stranger was made not only to unravel the truth between a conflicted Meursault, but also into order to examine the importance of the embrace of the world, not letting yourself go to the control of those around you.