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Camus presents an allegory of an absurd world. He attempted to make readers pity Meaursalt. Perhaps through the simply told life of Meaursalt, Camus suggests that life itself is meaningless. Some can forgive Meaursalt, an absurd man, but for some, Camus ambiguous presentation of life may only impose a Meaursalt as a thoughtless and self-centered lost man. Perhaps Camus attempted to show the most extreme, yet the simplest conscience of an absurd man. Camus is known as prominent modern existentialist.
Existentialism possesses many vague meanings, just like Camus ambiguity in the novel. The basic theme of existentialism is the stress on individual existence and the resulting individual freedom and choice. Existentialists believe that there is no objective and rational basis for decisions. Camus perhaps is sending a message that decisions should be made based on an individuals perception of good and wrong, not based on what is moral or not according to society. Also, he might be sending a message that morality should be based on how people actually behave, and not on an ideal standard how people should behave (moral relativism). For Meaursalt, it could be that it isnt so bad to murder.
He sees the world differently and regards human life no more or less than a dog. However, Meaursalt claims he feels guilt and that he opens up a little. Though it is difficult to even guess whats inside this man. He did try to see the world anew. He forces himself to find something interesting about the sky and tried to create imaginations. Yet nothing really changes.
I would end up telling myself that the most important thing was not to hold back at myself (113). Readers perception of Meaursalt really depends on their beliefs in life. One could attempt to create his own meaning, but as Meaursalt's experience shows, the meaning of life cannot be the creation of man. This novel was easy to read and I understood Meaursalt, and could even relate to him somewhat. But I definitely do not accept his values. Any criticism of a novel dealing with the search of the meaning of life is dangerous, because it is a sensitive issue.
Let alone, this novel claims that life is meaningless. For me, Meaursalt is an absurd man, literally. This novel is regarded as a very important modern piece and I could see why. Im not really fond of the question, What is the meaning of life? Im not sure whether to say it is objective or subjective. The novel itself is a puzzle to me and Im not in any pursuit to figure it out.
Im not refusing too, but I find no point in doing so. The same way Meaursalt treats life as meaningless, I treat it the same way, but that life is meaningful. We dont need to go searching too hard that in the process we give up on life, as I see Meaursalt as. I think you could have a meaningful life without knowing the meaning. I cant accept Meaursalt's values, because I do believe in a God and an afterlife. That is the difference between him and me.
I would not recommend this book to anybody who is in the process of soul searching. It is a confusing, yet a unique story to be regarded only as Camus point of view of life. Works Cited Camus, Albert. The Stranger.
Montreal: Vintage Books, 1989.
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Research essay sample on Meaning Of Life Sending A Message Meaursalt
