Question

In what ways is Meursault a representation of existentialist philosophy? Use details from the text to support your answer.

Answer 1

Born in Algeria, Albert Camus was a political activist, playwright, and journalist during the early 20th century. Although Camus might not agree with it, he was an advocate for the philosophy of existentialism. Camus felt that the world was meaningless and pointless; his novel, The Stranger, centers around his nihilistic viewpoint of life. The Stranger, demonstrated how man was “the nauseated victim of the absurd orthodoxy of habit.” In other words, people simply accepted reality without questioning its overall meaning without pondering the futility of life.

Camus’s lead character in The Stranger is Monsieur Meurseult who embodies this existentialist philosophy. Meurseult lacks faith, lacks in his relationships, and ultimately lacks in finding meaning to his reality. As you read, try to identify examples of this philosophy.

Step-by-step explanation:

Answer 2

An existentialist is basically a person who incorporates the principles of existentialism. By definition, existentialism is defined as a certain kind of philosophy wherein the "existence" of an individual is highly emphasised in which he or she has this ability to act according to what is in his or her will, which was represented by Meursault in the story.