Absurdity in Albert Camus’ The Stranger Essay - 2431 Words

The word absurd or absurdity is very peculiar in that there is no clear definition for the term. Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary gave its definition of absurd as having no rational or orderly relationship to human life: meaningless, also: lacking order or value. Many existential philosophers have defined it in their own manner. Soren Kierkegarrd, a pre-World War II German philosopher, defined absurd as that quality of Christian faith which runs counter to all reasonable human expectation (Woelfel 40). Jean-Paul Sartre a post-WW II French philosopher, felt that absurd was the sheer contingency or ‘thereness’ or gratuitousness of the world (Woelfel 41). Both of these definitions are hard to interpret and for the most part are†¦show more content†¦The absurd relationship that man is forced into with the world does not rule the possibility of man making reasonable sense of the world. In absurdity there are two options once realized, that one can commit su icide and ruin the totally uncompromising relationship, or to stay and deal with the absurdity. For most whom are able to view mans relation to the world as absurd, suicide does not become an option for them. Once it is realized that one is absurd, they are happy, and are ready to die whenever they are faced with death (Woelfel 43-45). By one coming to this realization of absurdity, that person may appear to be alienated or exiled or a stranger, much like Meursault in The Stranger. For Woelfel, what is later described as absurdity by Camus comes out in two passages in The Stranger. When Meursault is asked why he shot the Arab, because of his understanding of himself and the world being absurd, he answers it was because of the sun (Camus 103). Also just before Meursault is being executed, he thinks to himself about the gentle indifference of the world (Camus, Stranger 122), which Woelfel feels is Meursault’s acceptance of absurdity (Woelfel 21). In Understanding Albert Camus, David R. Ellison feels that Camus viewed himself as absurd because of his illness, and he saw things that happen as fromShow MoreRelatedThe Criticistity Of Absurdity In The Stranger By Albert Camus944 Words   |  4 Pages The Stranger is a novel by French author, Albert Camus. This novel expresses his philosophical beliefs and shows that a person does not really understand the significance of human life, until they are facing their own death. After reading this novel I understand his viewpoint, and somewhat agree with what he believes in. While reading this novel, I noticed how Camus involves his philosophical belief of absurdity through the main character. 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