“The Myth of Sisyphus” By Albert Camus

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Guiding Questions for “The Myth of Sisyphus” Why did the gods condemn Sisyphus to roll the rock up the mountain? In the myth, why didn’t Sisyphus want to return to the underworld? What were Sisyphus’ passions in life? What moment of Sisyphus’ labor particularly interests Camus? Why? Why is Sisyphus’ consciousness important? From what does the feeling of the absurd arise? Why is Sisyphus’ torture paradoxical? What is the “absurd victory”? What were Sisyphus’ passions in death? Why is Sisyphus the “absurd hero”? In what sense does Oedipus’ comment “I conclude that all is well” make fate a “human matter”? In what sense does Camus “imagine Sisyphus happy”? How does Sisyphus’ happiness relate to Existentialism? Guiding Questions for “The Myth of Sisyphus”

The Philosophy of the Absurd One of the main themes of Camus’ philosophy is rebellion, but not in the sense of a full-fledged revolt. Sisyphus rebels, not in refusing to continue his arduous task, but in the fact that he refuses to accept the absurdity of his punishment. Man’s tragedy is his consciousness, his awareness of his own condition. Oedipus was always the pawn of fate, but his tragedy begins the moment he knows the truth. Sisyphus teaches “there is no fate that can not be surmounted by scorn.” The Philosophy of the Absurd

Camus defines it as a confrontation between “rational” human beings and an “indifferent” universe. Despite our hopes, dreams, expectations and even our efforts, the world does not deliver what we expect, nor does it seem to care what becomes of us. Only personal experience is meaningful; meaning can not be found in others or outside forces. Meursault accepts the indifference of the universe as “brotherly” in The Stranger. Death makes life absurd. What does it mean?

Sisyphus as a model Two possible readings: A. He devotes himself to his labors so entirely that he must be considered happy. B. He undertakes his task with resentment, and his resentment of the gods makes his life meaningful. Sisyphus as a model

Either we find the meaning in our lives, or not at all. Both The Stranger and Sisyphus offer the notion that life is its own meaning—philosophical reflection does not give us meaning. Only insofar as we are engaged in our lives do our lives make sense. Camus’ Conclusion

Dr. Robert Solomon, Professor of Business and Philosophy—University of Texas Camus, Albert. “The Myth of Sisyphus.” Sources