Camus essays

Camus essays In two of his greatest works, "The Stranger," and "The Myth of Sisyphus," Albert Camus exposes his readers to the existentialistic parts of philosophy. The existentialism within his works shapes his characters, by determining how they will act and respond to what is going on around them. However, due to the existentialism, the character stands out in a way unique to the characters in that work. Meursault, the protagonist in "The Stranger," is an insensitive individual. He shows no feelings towards anyone throughout the novel. It is this lack of feeling that strongly reflects the philosophy of existentialism. Meursault does not feel any sensations a normal human would have with members of the opposite sex, nor does anything important seem to interest him. This lack of feeling, Meursault does realize it is a problem, for he states himself, "I explained to him, however, that my nature was that my physical needs often got in the way of my feelings.(pg 65)" Meursault also sees no reason f or change in his life. When his boss asked him whether he would like to move to Paris, Meursault responded that "people never change their lives, that in any case one life was as good as another and that I wasnt dissatisfied with mine here at all." Another good example would be after Mamams funeral, Meursault says that, "It occurred to me that anyway one more Sunday was over, that Maman was buried now, that I was going back to work, and that, really, nothing had changed." Meursault is very content with his current life. He is always happy due to the fact that he has no other feelings, so he doesnt have anything to compare to. When the priest asks Meursault if he would like a different life, his response was that he would like one that would be exactly the same as this current one. Work, a home, and a girl is what Meursault has, and he feels nothing more is needed. Sisyphus, from "The Myth of Sisyphus," is a very practical person. He is ver...