tsider
is justified?
Albert Camus’s (1913–1960) most celebrated novel is “The Outsider” (1942). The novel is set in Algiers. Its hero is Meursault. He is different from others. He does not cry at his mother’s funeral. He does not show love for Marie Cardona. He kills an Arab without reason. At his trial, society calls him a monster. His indifference makes him an “Outsider.”
Outsider to Family: The novel begins with death. Meursault gets a telegram from Marengo. It says his mother has died. He says,
“Mother died today. Or, maybe, yesterday; I can’t be sure.”
From the very first line, he shows indifference. Before the funeral, he drinks coffee and smokes. He does not weep. Thomas Pérez nearly faints under the hot sun. Meursault only feels the heat. Later, he says,
“Mother now was buried, and tomorrow I’d be going back to work as usual.”
Society sees this as shocking. A son who cannot cry becomes an outsider to family and society.
Outsider to Love: The very next day, Meursault meets Marie Cardona at the beach. They swim. They laugh. They go to the cinema and watch a comedy. At night, they sleep together. Marie loves him truly. Meursault says,
“Marie came that evening and asked me if I’d marry her.”
Meursault answers coldly,
“I said I didn’t mind; if she was keen on it, we’d get married.”
This reply surprises Marie. She stays with him, but he never shows passion. Even in prison, she visits him. But he remains calm and indifferent. His lack of love makes him an outsider in personal life.
Outsider to Neighbors and Morality: Meursault’s neighbors show another side of alienation. Salamano curses and beats his old dog. Yet when the dog runs away, he cries bitterly. Meursault only listens silently. He gives no judgment. Raymond Sintès is violent. He beats his mistress. He asks Meursault to write a letter to bring her back. Meursault agrees without feeling. Later, the police slap Raymond. He asks Meursault to testify. He accepts calmly. He does not think of right or wrong. He is outside morality. His neighbors show emotion, but he remains detached.
Outsider at the Murder and the Trial: At Masson’s beach house, Meursault, Marie, and Raymond enjoy swimming. Later, they meet the Arabs. One is the brother of Raymond’s mistress. A fight breaks out. Raymond is injured. Later, Meursault walks alone. The sun blinds him. He fires five shots. The Arab dies. At the trial, the court forgets the crime. Instead, they discuss his mother’s funeral. The Director, the Caretaker, and Marie testify. The Prosecutor calls him a monster. He says a man who does not cry at his mother’s death is dangerous. When asked why he killed, Meursault replies,
“It was because of the sun.”
This makes him a complete outsider in the eyes of the law and society.
Existential Outsider and Anti-Hero: In prison, Meursault thinks about life. The Magistrate shows him a crucifix. He refuses faith. The Chaplain asks him to believe in God. He shouts,
“I didn’t believe in God.”
He accepts death. He accepts that life has no meaning. Yet he feels peace. He says the world is indifferent. He finds joy in truth. He faces death calmly. He does not act like a hero but becomes an existential outsider. He accepts the absurd.
The title “The Outsider” is fully justified. Meursault is an outsider to family, to love, to neighbors, to morality, to society, and to religion. His indifference makes him different. Society cannot accept him. He is condemned to death not only for murder but for his emotions. He is an anti-hero, yet an existential hero. The title fits him perfectly.
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