Discuss Camus’ symbolic use of light as you find in his novel.
The Outsider is a notable literary work by Albert Camus. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of The Outsider.
Answer
Discuss Camus’ symbolic use of light as you find in his novel. [NU: 2021]
Albert Camus (1913–1960) uses light as a symbol in “The Outsider” (1942). Light is not only physical but also emotional. It shapes Meursault’s life. Sometimes it gives joy. Sometimes it gives pain. Finally, it explains the absurd truth of existence.
Light and Funeral at Marengo: At Marengo, during his mother’s funeral, Meursault feels the harsh sunlight. He does not cry for her death. He only feels the heat. He says,
“I went out, the sun was up and the sky mottled red.”
The light here shows indifference. It shows how nature cares nothing for human grief. Society calls him heartless. But the light shows life’s cruelty.
Light and the Beach Murder: At Masson’s beach house, Meursault walks alone. The sun blinds him. The heat presses on his body. He faces the Arab. The Arab shows his knife. The sun reflects on the blade. Meursault fires once, then four more times. The reason he gives is simple. He says,
“It was because of the sun.”
Here, the sunlight becomes a symbol of force. It pushes him to kill. Light here is linked to violence and fate.
Light and Final Realisation in Prison: In prison, waiting for death, Meursault again looks at the sky. Now the light is different. It no longer blinds him. It comforts him. He accepts death. He accepts life’s absurdity. Light here becomes truth. It is freedom in facing the end.
Light in the novel is a great symbol. At the funeral, it shows indifference. At the beach, it brings violence. In prison, it gives peace. Camus uses light to show Meursault’s journey from detachment to truth.