The Outsider

The Outsider (also known as The Stranger) is a philosophical novel by Albert Camus, first published in 1942. The story follows Meursault, an emotionally indifferent and detached French Algerian who lives a monotonous life. The novel begins with the death of his mother, but rather than expressing grief, Meursault is largely unaffected. This emotional distance continues as he becomes involved in a murder on a beach. His trial centers more on his character and lack of traditional emotional responses than the crime itself, highlighting themes of existentialism, the absurd, and the human condition.

The novel explores the ideas of absurdity and meaninglessness in life, questioning societal norms and the expectations placed on individuals to conform to conventional values. Through Meursault's disconnection from society, Camus explores the concept of the "outsider," someone who does not fit into the traditional mold of society.