"The Stranger" is a novel by Albert Camus that explores the life of Meursault, a detached and indifferent man living in Algeria. The story begins with the death of Meursault's mother, an event to which he responds with surprising emotional detachment. His behavior at the funeral raises eyebrows, showcasing his disconnection from societal norms and emotional engagement, which sets the tone for the rest of the narrative.
As the plot unfolds, Meursault becomes embroiled in a murder trial after killing an Arab man. The trial serves as a critique of the justice system, revealing more about societal expectations and moral values than about Meursault's actions. His lack of conventional emotions leads the court to focus on his character rather than the crime itself, underscoring the themes of absurdity and existentialism in the novel.
Ultimately, "The Stranger" highlights the theme of alienation and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe. Throughout the novel, Meursault grapples with the absurdity of life and the inevitability of death, leading to profound reflections on existence and the human condition. Camus uses Meursault's experiences to challenge the reader to question the conventions of morality and the nature of reality itself.