conclusion

Like most aspects of life, one really gets the answers he has been searching for when his journey is finally over. For Meursault, he realized the meaninglessness of life when he was about to experience death. As I experience the end of my high school career, I realize aspects of my life that I had once took for granted. In fact, whereas I would have seen school as a meaningless institution, I am now aware of its true importance to me. I now reflect the close relationships I have made with friends and teachers, the knowledge I have received from all of the stressful classes, and the special memories that I will cherish. Although our discoveries our distinct, Meursault and I have opened our eyes to new perspectives.   

2nd body

            Meursault realizes the meaninglessness of life when he personally confronts death. “As if that blind rage had washed me clean, rid me of hope; for the first time, in that night alive with signs and stars, 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” () Indeed, Meursault, in the last lines of the novel, concludes his evolution and discovers that the universe is just like him. The world is indifferent to human life, which is ultimately meaningless because all life leads to death. This new realization provides Meursault with a sense of companionship, a feeling he has been searching for all his life, and considers the world “a brother.” In fact, Meursault illustrates his desire for companionship in the form of his observation. He has been describing everything around him with great detail as if he is searching for answers to the outside world. Meursault finally reveals a sense of happiness once he gains this new perspective on human existence. All he wanted was not to be alone, and he finally feels he is not, although his last company was with an angry mob. Although Meursault has been gradually coming to this realization, he finally feels happy once he reaches his fate. 

First body

            Meursault’s careless attitude and emotional indifference is revealed through the opening lines of the novel. “Maman died today. Or yesterday maybe, I don’t know. I got a telegram from the home: “Mother deceased. Funeral tomorrow. Faithfully yours.” That doesn’t mean anything. Maybe it was yesterday” (Camus). Unlike most people, Meursault shows no sign of sadness or remorse when he found out his mother died. Although he addresses his mother as “maman,” a term of endearment, the only detail that concerned him was the actual day of his mother’s death. Evidently, Meursault is not affected by the death. Moreover, Meursault’s line, “that doesn’t mean anything” could be perceived as a comment related to the day his mother died. However, he could have implied that his mother’s death does not matter. This comment introduces the reader to Camus’ theory about the meaninglessness of human life. Because the novel begins with the theme of death, it is apparent that this will be a reoccurring idea throughout the narrative. In fact, Meursault initially believes that the human condition is inescapable. “She said, “If you go slowly, you risk getting sunstroke. But if you go too fast, you work up a sweat and then catch a chill inside the church.” She was right. There was no way out” (  ). Although the nurse was talking about the heat, Meursault’s addition of “there is no way out” generalizes how the reader perceives the nurses advice. In fact, Meursault will eventually realize the implied meaning of the nurse at the end of the novel and discover Camus’ theory on the meaninglessness of life. 

Intro

Meursault is a stranger. He is an alien to the universe. He is a man who is emotionally detached from society, indifferent to the world around him. He does not care about the death of his mother, a proposal from his lover, or even the murder of an Arab. Albert Camus, author of The Stranger, illustrates Meursault as a character who simply does not care. Nevertheless, his uncaring temperament does not make him immune to evolution. In fact, Camus argues that because all humans will ultimately die, all lives are insignificant. As the narrative progressives, Meursault, reflecting Camus’ theory on life, gradually comes to this realization. This progression is effectively revealed through his own narrative. He employs simple sentences consisting of almost childlike vocabulary, with a meticulous attention to detail. Indeed, Meursault’s narration appears simple in the literal form; however, it reveals moments of profound transparency and provides a unique insight of his evolution, concerning the nature of his indifference to himself, society, and life. 

Outline

Thesis: Indeed, Meursault’s narration appears simple in the literal form; however, it reveals moments of profound transparency and provides a unique insight of his evolution, concerning the nature of his indifference to himself, society, and life. 

Meursault’s careless attitude and emotional indifference is revealed through the opening lines of the novel

By witnessing death first-hand, Meursault, although unemotional, begins his initial realization on the meaninglessness of life and progresses as a character.

Meursault realizes the meaninglessness of life when he personally confronts death

 Like most aspects of life, one really gets the answers he has been searching for when his journey is finally over