The Stranger

Definition

The Stranger refers to the existential theme found in literature that embodies feelings of alienation, detachment, and the absurdity of life. This concept often reflects the post-war disillusionment experienced by individuals who feel disconnected from society and traditional values, highlighting a sense of meaningless existence in a chaotic world.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The concept of The Stranger is often associated with post-World War II literature, where characters grapple with their identity and existence in a rapidly changing world.
2. Literary figures such as Meursault from Albert Camus' novel 'The Stranger' exemplify the characteristics of The Stranger, showcasing emotional detachment and a disregard for societal norms.
3. This theme highlights the conflict between individual identity and societal expectations, emphasizing how modern life can lead to feelings of isolation.
4. The notion of The Stranger can be seen as a response to the horrors of war, as many writers sought to address the disillusionment and despair felt by people after such traumatic experiences.
5. Works featuring The Stranger often incorporate elements of absurdism, emphasizing that life is unpredictable and devoid of inherent meaning, prompting readers to confront their own existential questions.

Review Questions

• How does The Stranger reflect the feelings of post-war disillusionment in literature?
  • The Stranger embodies the feelings of post-war disillusionment through characters who struggle with their sense of self in a world that seems chaotic and devoid of meaning. This theme is prevalent in works like Camus' 'The Stranger,' where the protagonist's emotional detachment serves as a metaphor for society's alienation after the trauma of war. Such literature questions traditional values and reflects a broader sense of confusion and despair that many individuals experienced during this time.
• Discuss how alienation plays a role in shaping the experiences of characters associated with The Stranger.
  • Alienation is central to The Stranger as it shapes characters' experiences by emphasizing their disconnect from society and other individuals. For instance, Meursault’s indifference towards social norms and relationships illustrates how isolation can lead to a profound sense of existential crisis. This alienation not only defines their actions but also serves as a critique of societal expectations, prompting readers to reflect on their own connections and the nature of existence.
• Evaluate how The Stranger serves as a critique of societal values in light of existentialist themes.
  • The Stranger critiques societal values by highlighting the absurdity of life through characters who reject conventional moral frameworks. This evaluation reveals how existentialist themes challenge readers to reconsider what it means to live authentically in a world that imposes arbitrary norms. By confronting these themes, literature encourages individuals to seek personal meaning despite societal pressures, making The Stranger a significant commentary on modern existence and individual freedom.

Related terms

Absurdism: A philosophical perspective that emphasizes the inherent meaninglessness of life and the conflict between humans' search for meaning and the silent, indifferent universe.

Alienation:

A feeling of estrangement or separation from others, society, or oneself, often explored in literature as a key aspect of modern human experience.

Existentialism: A philosophical movement that focuses on individual freedom, choice, and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent or irrational world.