Albert Camus' "The Stranger" explores life's absurdity through protagonist Meursault's existential journey.

Albert Camus, a French-Algerian philosopher and writer, published "L'Étranger" (translated as "The Stranger"), a novel that became a cornerstone of his absurdist philosophy. This work represents the first part of his cycle on the absurd, in which he delves into the inherent meaninglessness of life and the human struggle to find purpose in an indifferent universe. "L'Étranger" tells the story of Meursault, an emotionally detached French-Algerian who, after committing a senseless murder, grapples with the indifferent and irrational nature of the world. Camus used Meursault’s character to articulate his views on the absurd: the conflict between humans' desire to find inherent meaning in life and the silent, indifferent world that fails to provide it. Upon publication, the novel generated considerable attention for its unconventional narrative style and its philosophical underpinnings. It did not conform to the traditional expectations of character development and plot, focusing instead on portraying the protagonist's inner experience and existential realizations. This unique approach led to a wide range of reactions, from critical acclaim to outright rejection, but it undoubtedly established Camus as a significant voice in 20th-century literature and philosophy. The book's impact extended beyond literary circles, influencing existentialist thought and contributing to post-World War II discussions about human existence and morality. "The Stranger" would become a subject of study in philosophy, literature, and humanities courses around the world, solidifying its status as a modern classic. Albert Camus’ exploration of absurdism through "L'Étranger" remains a key moment in the intellectual history of the 20th century, reflecting the pervasive existential crisis of the era and challenging readers to confront the absurdity of human existence. #Absurdism #Existentialism #AlbertCamus #Philosophy #Literature #MoofLife