The crux of The Stranger (L'Étranger) by Albert Camus lies in its exploration of existential themes, primarily the absurdity of life and the indifference of the universe to human existence. The novel centers on Meursault, an emotionally detached Algerian man who, after the death of his mother, becomes involved in a senseless murder that leads to his trial.
Key aspects of the novel’s crux include:
The Absurd: Meursault's indifferent attitude toward life, death, and social norms illustrates Camus's concept of the "absurd"—the idea that life has no inherent meaning, and human efforts to find or impose meaning on it are ultimately futile.
Alienation: Meursault’s detachment from emotions and social conventions (such as his unemotional response to his mother's death) underscores his sense of alienation. He does not conform to societal expectations of grief, which leads to his ostracism.
Existential Freedom: The novel conveys the idea that, in the face of life's meaninglessness, individuals are free to create their own meaning. Meursault ultimately reaches a moment of clarity in prison, where he accepts the absurdity of existence and the inevitability of death. This realization is liberating, as it allows him to embrace life on his own terms, free from illusions or false hopes.
The Trial: Meursault’s trial is a key plot element, as it exposes the absurdity of the legal and social systems. His crime—the murder of an Arab man—becomes secondary to his failure to adhere to societal expectations, particularly his indifference to his mother's death. His trial ultimately reflects the irrationality of human judgment and the arbitrariness of moral and legal standards.
In essence, The Stranger challenges readers to confront the meaninglessness of life and the ways in which society imposes meaning where there is none, ultimately suggesting that embracing the absurdity of existence is a path to true freedom.