Existentialism in The Strabger
... human emotions and faiths might do well while living but nothing avoids the inevitable, death. Meursault's behavior is also an example of Camus' existentialism. At his mother's funeral, Meursault shows no emotion. He knows that life goes on and there is no reason to waste time mourning. Meursault finally shows emotion when he is in jail and the chaplain visits him. The chaplain tries to comfort Meursault, but Meursault blows up in his face. "Everybody was privileged. There were only privileged people. The others would all be condemned one day. And he would be condemned, too. What would it matter if he were accused of murder and then executed because he didn't cry at his mother's funeral?" (The Stranger, p.121). Meursault, or Camus, is saying what difference does it make what path you choose if everybody ends up the same way? What difference does a belief in God make? Everyone dies. Meursault's behavior at the end of the novel is also a symbol of Camus' existentialism. "...I opened myself to the gentle indifference of the world. Finding it so much like myself--so like a brother, really--I felt that I had been happy and that I was happy again. For everything to be consummated, for me to feel less alone, I had only to wish that there be a large crowd of spectators the day of my execution and that they greet me with cries of hate." (The Stranger, p.123). Meursault realized the indifference the world possessed. To him the world was his brother. He found happiness in knowing that he was not alone. Perhaps the most significant example of existentialism is Meursault's apathy. Meursault does not show much emotion and does not care about a lot of things. Camus, along with other existentialists, expresses the meaninglessness of human life. These existentialists find no reason for us to be here. Apathy can also be seen when Meursault kills the Arab. "The trigger gave...Then I fired four more times at the motionless body where the bullets lodged without leaving a trace." (The Stranger, p.59). Meursault shows no emotion nor remorse later at his trial. Camus' apathy is also seen in Meursault's relationship with Marie. Marie says that she loves Meursault and wants to marry him. "That evening Marie came by t...