In "The Stranger" by Albert Camus, the protagonist experiences a moment of realization about the severity of his actions. As he prepares to leave an encounter, he instinctively reaches out to shake hands, but suddenly recalls that he has taken a man's life. This brief moment highlights the disconnection and emotional detachment he feels from the gravity of his crime.

This quote encapsulates the essence of existential themes within the novel, illustrating the absurdity of life and the protagonist's struggle with morality. His inability to fully comprehend the weight of murder reveals his existential crisis and the broader philosophical questions about life, death, and meaning that permeate Camus' work.