The Stranger Essay Outline: Topic #5

Thesis: Through Meursault’s reaction to his own execution and Maman’s death, the reader is able to determine that Camus feels death is a personal journey that causes an appreciation for life.

1.       Camus writes Meursault as a character that is completely indifferent to Maman’s death which raises questions surrounding the social norms of mourning a loved one.

“Maman died today. Or yesterday maybe, I don’t know” (3).

“So close to death, Maman must have felt free then and ready to live it all again” (122).

These two contrasting views Meursault has on Maman’s death show that Maman did not mourn his mother’s death because Maman was truly living life when she died. Meursault does not want to spend his life obsessing over the death of others.

2.       Camus emphasizes the fear the human race has towards death through Maman’s choice to have a religious burial after leading an impious life.

“While not an atheist, Maman had never in her life given a thought to religion” (6).

More than likely Maman chose a religious burial with the fear of death in mind. Camus acknowledges that there is fear surrounding death, but Camus also expresses that religion seems to take away from the appreciation of the current life.

3.      Once Meursault realizes he is to be executed, Meursault’s sudden appreciation for life supports Camus’ statement that death causes an appreciation for life.

“I spend my days watching how the dwindling of color turns day into night” (108).

***find other quotation

Meursault no longer feels constrained by society, and now realizes he can appreciate the world around him. According to Camus a life without societal pressures instills the most personal happiness.

4.      Camus criticizes society’s reflex to turn to religion when faced with death through Meursault’s reaction to the chaplain.

(Meursault speaking about religion) “I just didn’t have time to interest myself in what didn’t interest me” (117).

(The chaplain talking to Meursault) “You’re wrong, my son” (118).

The chaplain is utterly horrified that Meursault refuses God so close to Meursault’s execution, but Meursault is living with very limited time. Meursault wants to enjoy living the last moments of life and not preoccupy himself with preparations for death.