Defying Ideals In Albert Camus’ “The Outsider”

In the 20^th century traditional notions of rationalism and empiricism, which focus on discovering universal meaning, were challenged by an emerging philosophy: existentialism. Existentialism is the idea that people create the meaning of their own lives opposed to being regulated by systems or higher powers. With the absence of ulterior forces, such as god, individuals are free to make their own decisions and therefore responsible for their actions. In Albert Camus’ novel “The Outsider” the main subdivisions of existentialism: isolation and intimacy, meaning and meaningless, and death and human limitation are discussed. Focusing on the themes of relationships, religion, and law it can be concluded that existentialism is a driving force within the social structure of “The Outsider.”

Relationships are a natural component of social interaction. They occur on casual, personal, and intimate levels. In the novel “The Outsider” the protagonist Meursault challenges society’s concept of relationships, ultimately acting in an existentialistic manner. It is crucial to consider specific occurrences within the text to recognize Meursault’s disconnection from the dominant customs of his society. Considering his relationships with a friend, his girlfriend, and his mother the reader is able to recognize his habit of rebelling against social traditions.

Meursault does not pass judgment on others and he has a tendency to give his opinions even if it is opposes the perspectives of his cultures. This is why Meursault and Raymond Sintes are such great friends. Raymond needs some one who understands his disposition and Meursault is the only one the can connect with Raymond without him feeling criticized. For example after Meursault helps him write a letter to a prostitute when no one else would he says “‘I could tell you were a man of the world’. I didn’t notice at first, but he was calling me by my first name. It was only when he announced, ‘now you are really my mate,’ and used it again that struck me.”(36)

Meursault’s relationship with his mother illustrates his lack of emotion which was an abnormal character trait within his society. “The judge asked him to specify whether she used to reproach me for having sent her to a home and the warden again said yes.” (86) These three examples illustrate how existentialism operates within relationships.

Meursaults relationship with his girlfriend is vary similar to that of his mothers

he expresses very little emotion to her for instance when Marie asks Meursault to marry her he says,

“I didn’t mind and we could do if she wanted to. Then she wanted to know if I loved her. I replied as I had done once already, that it didn’t mean any thing but I probably didn’t. ‘why marry me then?’ she said. I explained to her that it really didn’t matter and that if she wanted to, we could get married.”(44-45)

Also near the end of the book Meursault said,

“Anyway, from that point on, Marie’s memory would have meant nothing to me. I wasn’t interested in her anymore if she was dead. I found it quite normal just as I could Quite well understand that people would forget about me once I was dead.” (110)

Within this post war society religion is used as a tool to conform those who stray away from the norms, and to regulate the unification of the community. When Meursault is convicted of killing an Arab he has the ability to have a second trial on the terms that he accepts the religion of his culture.

‘Do you know who this is?’ I said, ‘Yes, naturally.’ Then he spoke very quickly and passionately, telling me that he believed in God, that he was convinced that no man was so guilty that God wouldn’t pardon him, but that he must first repent and so become like a child whose soul is empty and ready to embrace everything. (67-68)

Meursault recognizes the social power being impressed on him, and opts to ignore the advice given to him. Meursault’s refusal to accept this ultimatum exemplifies his tendency to resist social norms.

Legal systems are enforced within societies to maintain regulation and upkeep social structure. Within the text rather then being just the legal system manipulates situations. Instead of prosecuting Meursault for the crime he committed he is “condemned because he doesn’t play the game.” (118) It is evident that the legal system operates to protect those who abide to society’s principals, and oppress those who do not believe in society’s traditional values: existentialists.

In conclusion relationships, religious beliefs, and the legal system give an accurate depiction of the social structure of Camus’ novel “The Outsider.” These three themes work together to convey to the reader the notion of existentialism, and provide a concrete model of how an outsider threatens the structure of a society. Though existentialism operates differently in numerous societies Camus’ text acts as an accurate representation of how existentialism functions; through the individual experiences of a man who is prosecuted for defying social norms.