Who Is Meursault In Albert Camus The Stranger

In Albert Camus’ novel The Stranger, the main character Meursault lacks significant identifying features such as a first name, specific age, or any physical features. He does not possess these because to give him a name or a description would be to give him an identity. Because Meursault lacks a solid identity, Camus portrays him as an absent being, detached from society and its norms. The main cause of the conflict in the novel is Meursault's distance from society and his flatness as a character. Meursault is one dimensional, showing only a single, unemotional side. He has little to no emotional depth or complexity, instead focusing on the physical aspects of the world, which causes a clash between him and society. Meursault is, however,
During the trial, the prosecutor discusses more than the facts of the case, consistently bringing up Meursault’s lack of emotion in order to convince the jury that Meursault is less than human. In the end, Meursault’s conviction and sentence are largely due to his refusal to comply to society’s rules and norms. Camus believed that an absurd man must fit into society autonomously, meaning that even though he is an individual, he must comply with society’s rules. Meursault’s morals are so non-existent that he fails to recognize that society perceives murder as morally wrong even though he does not. Meursault outright says, “I didn’t feel much remorse for what I’d done” (Camus 100), directly before being sentenced to death.
Meursault’s conflict in The Stranger is with society because he does not fit in with society’s expectations. Although Existentialism calls for people to be individuals, and to make their own choices, they must also be able to function within society. Meursault does not show emotion throughout the trial, and the jury, representing members of society, are unnerved because society places great importance in emotions and human