The Outsider of Albert Camus: Brief review of an existential novel
Q. “The Outsider” of Albert Camus: Brief review of an existential novel
Answer: The Outsider (“L'Étranger” in French) is a famous novel written by French writer Albert Camus. It was first published in 1942. This novel is primarily based on deep philosophy thoughts such as existentialism and absurdism. Its main character is - Meursault - who lives a quiet, emotional and neutral life.
The story of the novel
The story begins with the death of Meursault’s mother. He listens to the news of the mother's death in peace and does not give any emotional response to the funeral. This type of Meursault’s behavior seems strange to people. Later Meursault goes to celebrate the sea shore with his friends. One day he shoots and kills an Arabic person without any concrete reason.
Meursault is arrested and prosecuted. In court, people give more importance to the emotionless behavior on the funeral of his mother, rather than understanding the real reason behind the murder. Finally he is punished for death.
Main character - Meursault
Meursault works in an ordinary office. He does not think much and is not more emotional about anything. Whether it is the death of his mother or the marriage of his girlfriend, he takes everything in a very normal way.
He sees the world without any hope or purpose. Life has no definite meaning for him. This view of Meursault is the main subject of the novel.
Existentialism and fruitfulness
The biggest aspect of “The Outsider” is existence and meaningless.
Existentialism says that there is no pre -made meaning of life. We make the meaning of our life only through our decisions and actions.
Absurdism considers that we find meaning in life, but perhaps there is no meaning.
The behavior of Meursault reflects both these ideas. He considers something just to call something "right" or "wrong" as he is.
Criticism of society and judicial system
This novel also criticizes society and its judicial system. Meursault does not get punished because he murdered, but because he did not cry on the death of the mother, he did not show emotions.
From this the novelist wants to show that the society only accepts those who follow the rules and emotional standards made by him.
Novelist's style and language
Albert Camus has written this novel in very simple and straight language. In this novel, the words of Meursault are very neutral - as if they are watching everything without any sense. This style makes the philosophy ideas of the novel more impressive.
The novel, “The outsider” is, therefore, not just a story; it is an idea - whether every person should live according to the expectations of society? Will we be able to find meanings in life or accept it as it is?
Albert Camus has forced us to think through this novel whether an outsider can become a part of society, if he thinks different from others?
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Q 1: Who wrote the novel "The outsider"?
Answer: The novel "The Outsider" has been written by the famous French writer Albert Camus.
Q 2: Who is the main character of the novel?
Answer: The main character of this novel is Meursault, which is a calm, emotional and neutral person.
Q 3: "The outsider" is based on which philosophy?
Answer: This novel is based on existentialism and absurdism.
Q 4: What is the main message of the novel?
Answer: The main message of the novel is that life has no predetermined meaning. Every person has to find meaning from his decisions and perspectives. Besides, it also criticizes the stiffness and emotional expectations of the society.
Q 5: What is the name "The outsider" in Hindi?
Answer: This novel is commonly called "outsider" or "stranger" in Hindi.
Q 6: Why is Meursault sentenced to death?
Answer: Meursault is punished for killing a person, but his apathy and lack of feelings are given more importance in the court. Therefore, society considers his thinking as unacceptable and gives him a harsh punishment.
Q 7: “The Outsider” and “The Strange” are the same novel?
Answer: Yes, “The Outsider” and “The Stranger” are two English translation titles of the same novel. The original novel is in French named L'Ă©tranger.
Q 8: Who was Albert Camus and what was his main philosophy?
Answer: Albert Camus was a famous French writer, philosopher and journalist. His main philosophy was Absurdism, which says that life has no definite meaning and we can only accept its truth.
Q 9: Is this novel suitable for students?
Answer: Yes, this novel is very useful and informative for students interested in understanding philosophy, society and human nature.
Q 10: What do we learn from this novel?
Answer: This novel forces us to think on what basis the society decides the "good" or "bad" man. It also helps in understanding the meaning, freedom and human behavior of life.
*****
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