The Stranger Albert Camus

Albert Camus biosketch Born 1913 and Died 1960, Camus spent time in Algiers and this has had a large impact and influence on his writings. He was a political journalist and active in the French Resistance during the Nazi occupation of France in WWII He was deeply interested in philosophy and is associated with and utilizes theories of it in his works

Albert Camus In an essay he wrote “The Myth of Sysyphus,” he expounds upon the idea of the absurd and its total acceptance in the absence of hope, (having nothing to do with despair or renouncement) but rather a conscious dissatisfaction - This epitomizes Mersault the main character of The Stranger. Although associated with existentialism, the author has rejected this and claimed absurdism is a more apt description

Characters Mersault - indifferent, detached, protagonist of the novel, ‘the stranger,’; kills a man (Arab) for no apparent reason Marie Cardona - coworker, lover, fiance of Mersault, she wants to marry him and supports him throughout his trial although he is completely indifferent toward her Raymond Sintes - neighbor of Mersault and known pimp, involves Mersault in his sordid affairs

characters Mersault’s mother - the novel begins with her death and subsequent burial, and her son’s seeming indifference, although he identifies with her The Chaplain - appeals to Mersault when he is in prison and condemned, Mersault refuses to see him, although the chaplain insists and is somewhat threatened and disturbed by Mersault’s atheism Thomas Perez - companion of Mersault’s mother in the old age home that they both reside in

characters The examining magistrate - also completely distressed by Mersault’s lack of grief over his mother’s death and stubborn atheism The Caretaker - keeps vigil with Mersault over his mother’s coffin, drinks coffee and smokes cigarettes with him, Mersault his annoyed by his presence and chatty behavior. Later this weighs heavily against Mersault in his trial

characters The Director - of the old age home, consoles Mersault initially when his mother dies and tells him not to feel guilt at having placed her there, however, during the trial he is judgemental and damaging to Mersault’s case Celeste - is the proprietor of a cafe that Mersault frequents and provides testimony on his behalf at the trial, asserting that he’s an honest, decent man who suffered bad luck

characters Masson - one of Raymond’s friends who invites Raymond, Mersault, and Marie to his beach house, (the beach is where the Arab was killed by Mersault), Masson testifies good standing of Mersault’s character The Prosecutor - in the murder trial, he maintains that Mersault is a cold, calculating, emotionless, monster whose indifference destroys society, he demands the death penalty

characters Salamano - neighbor of Mersault that has an old mangy dog that he abuses, but weeps over the dog when it is missing - this relationship is contrasted to Mersault and his mother The Arab - the murder victim, and brother of Raymond’s mistress, the crime is completely motiveless for Mersault

Plot Summary The action of the novel begins with Mersault being informed of the death of his mother, who 3 years prior was placed in the care of a home for aged people. His complete detachment, indifference, aloofness, and lack of emotion over the entire affair is an item of contention later in the novel and is instrumental in his conviction and condemnation. Shortly after, (days in fact), he begins an affair with his co-worker Marie and is seemingly only intersted in the sex he can have with her.

plot summary Mersault has some questionable neighbors where he lives. Raymond the mistress beating pimp involves Mersault in his shady affairs and Mersault willingly obliges him. The old man Salamano, who is basically cruel to his mangy old dog, laments over the loss of the dog, when the dog takes off after years of abuse. Throughout all of this Marie is strangely (key root word strange), attracted to Mersault and actually wants to stay with him, asking him if he loves her and if he wants to marry her.

plot summary When Raymond’s friend Masson invites, Raymond, Marie, and Mersault to his beach house, the killing of the Arab occurs, when Mersault is supposedly overwhelmed by his surroundings. His refusal to lie and play the game as it were, seals his fate, as he is condemned essentially for the honesty of his feelings.

“Killing an Arab” The Cure The band, The Cure, released its first single entitled ‘Killing an Arab’ in 1979. The song has been controversial for the band as it has been misinterpreted as a song that promotes violence against Arabs. The song actually was inspired by the novel The Stranger, according to Cure lead man Robert Smith, as he wrote lyrics and music that represented the critical moments in the novel and his impression of Mersault killing an Arab on the beach. “Killing An Arab” by The Cure

Killing An Arab the Cure Standing on the beach With a gun in my hand Staring at the sea Staring at the sand Staring down the barrel At the arab on the ground I can see his open mouth But I hear no sound I'm alive I'm dead I'm the stranger Killing an arab I can turn And walk away Or I can fire the gun Staring at the sky Staring at the sun Whichever I chose It amounts to the same Absolutely nothing I feel the steel butt jump Smooth in my hand Staring at the sea Staring at the sand Staring at myself Reflected in the eyes Of the dead man on the beach The dead man on the beach

related reading The Trial - Franz Kafka Beyond Good and Evil - Friedrich Nietzche The Catcher in the Rye - J. D. Salinger