The Stranger

"Since we are all going to die, it's obvious that when and how don't matter."
-pg. 114 Albert Camus The Stranger

This quote demonstrates the main character's, Meursault, indifference to life and even death. During his time spent in jail, he kept thinking that he would eventually get out and didn't even think of the possibility of being put to death. However, once he was condemned to be executed. He use to spend his time, wondering about how he could escape, if that was even possible, and dreading dawn because according to him, that's when the executions takes place. As time progressed, Meursault realized that worrying about his death was pointless. In this book, Camus demonstrates the absurdity of human life and even human death. Whether we die now or in thirty years, we will all die at one point in time. Some might die sooner than others while others might live longer. But in the end, worrying about the inevitable is pointless. As for our life on this Earth, it is of little consquence; it is but a blimp on the radar. When we die, thousands of other people continue on with their lives; without little consquence about our death. Meursault viewed life as having little consquence. He could never find joy out of life; only through physical acts could he feel alive. Unlike other novels, where the character feels the need to search for a meaning in life, Meursault feels completely content with his life and his indifference towards everything. It is absurd to believe that people have so little emotion over death. Even when it came to his own mother's death, he could not muster up the emotion to even feel sad. Camus's character portrays the absurdity of human life.