1. Existentialism Nihilism Absurdism
The Stranger
Existentialism
Nihilism
Absurdism

2. Existentialism

3. Existentialism “Existence Precedes Reality” - Sartre
No inherent meaning to life
Each individual creates their own meaning based on their actions
Meaning cannot be defined by any pre- framed entity
Historical
Cultural
Religious
Philosophical

4. Nihilism

5. Nihilism Existential Nihilism The world is without meaning or purpose
All actions are senseless
Out, out, brief candle! Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player That struts and frets his hour upon the stage And then is heard no more; it is a tale Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing. (Macbeth, Act 5 Scene 5)

6. Absurdism

7. Absurdism Founded by Albert Camus There is no rational purpose to life
Life is like Sisyphus
Life is random and arbitrary
However, to escape this reality, we can revolt/rebel against institutions and mortality, accept life’s Absurdity, and experience the pleasures/beauty of life

8. Albert Camus Rejected the label of Existentialist
Harshly criticized Nihilism (and Communism)
Absurdism was his “compromise” to Existentialism, since he does not believe anyone can have even a personal meaning

9. Focus Questions
What evidence suggests Meursault is at one point a Nihilist?
What diction does Camus use to show his displeasure with Meursault’s Nihilism?
At what moment does Meursault develop to an Existential or Absurd character?
What causes this shift in his point of view?