The Stranger, a novel by Albert Camus describes violent acts as witnessed by an unaffected narrator. The novel begins by stating that “Mamman had died today”, and concludes with Meursault being presumed dead. The book contains a number of bloody incidents: premeditated violence against an ex, cruel treatment of a dog, a fight on the street, and an argument that ends with murder in Algeria. The Stranger offers a fascinating look at the meaning of being human, living, and having the ability to end another’s existence. Camus portrays violence in a way that reveals how his characters feel about life and death.
The Stranger’s absurdist nature is obvious: Camus argues that the human condition is one of chaos and he criticizes cultures that try to find meaning within a world that is meaningless. Camus presents two opposing views on human existence: the society’s view and Meursaults. The society tries to explain unanswerable problems. In Meursault’s courtroom, jurors, lawyers, and even the judge are all focused on the question of why Meursault shot the Arab and was indifferent to his mother dying. “Why?” The magistrate demands. “You must explain to me-why?” Meursault represents absurdity if society is the search for “normal” or “correct”. Meursault stands out from the rest of the characters in the book (he really is “a Stranger”), because he seems to be so removed from reality. He is a lover of the corporeal like food and love, but he doesn’t feel the same as others. Meursault believes that “everyone” knows “life isn’t really worth living”, and “one’s life is just as good as any other”. Meursault does not show any regrets or sadness when his mom dies. His only concern is his discomfort due to the heat and the sun. Camus juxtaposes his two opposing ideals. One that considers life to be good, wholesome, meaningful, while the other views human existence in a pointless and absurd way. Camus uses violence to convey this theme, of trivial emptiness versus worth and validity. The characters’ reactions reveal their inner feelings and worldviews. Meursault is an example of a character who appears to be “detached”. The Stranger contains several examples of estrangement, apathy and violence. Raymond asks Meursault if he can help him to carry out a plan of humiliating and assaulting his ex girlfriend. Meursault says “because he didn’t want to disappoint [Raymond]”. Meursault does not show emotion when he refers to the violent treatment of the dog belonging to a neighbor. Raymond is a detached character who freely hits a woman without showing any regret. Mersault shares his disinterest in violence or death. Raymond says, “it was inevitable that it would happen sooner or later,” (33) when Meursault’s mom dies. Meursault concurs with this statement. Marie, however, has a positive outlook on life. She was so upset by Raymond’s ex girlfriend that she couldn’t eat when Meursault took her to lunch. Meursault on the other hand “[eats] nearly everything” (37) Marie testified that Meursault’s fraternization of her was disturbing and upsetting to her. This happened so soon following the funeral of Meursault mother. The chaplain is a strong believer in God and human worth. He also believes that salvation is possible. This is in contrast to an absurdist view of mankind, where the crucifix represents God’s guidance over the world, as well as the existence of order and reason.
Camus makes sure that the physical realm is not overlooked during scenes of violence. Camus’s audience is encouraged to see death and violence in color right from the start of The Stranger. The reader is captivated by the red hues, which evoke a feeling of dislocation and detachedness. Meursault, who murders an Arab on a beach, notes the crimson shades of the sky and sand. He writes “the fiery atmosphere” (58), “dazzling glare red” (56), and even “blazing sand”. Camus uses color in order to divert attention from the emotional consequences of violence. The reader can now better understand Meursault and his logic.
The Stranger deals with complex questions about the value of life. Camus uses violence to reveal his characters’ view of their own worth. The novel aims to discredit traditional beliefs about life being wholesome, meaningful, and important. It is an incredibly disturbing book that does not spare any expense to convey what Camus described as “the nakedness man faces when confronted with absurdity.”
