Describe the significance of the title “The Outsider.”

Answer

Do you think that the title of “The Outsider” is justified? [NU: 2020] ★★★

Or, Describe the significance of the title “The Outsider.” [NU: 2018]

Or, Justify the title of Camus’ novel, “The Outsider.”

Albert Camus’s (1913–1960) most celebrated novel is “The Outsider” (1942). The novel is set in Algiers. Its hero is Meursault. He is different from others. He does not cry at his mother’s funeral. He does not show love for Marie Cardona. He kills an Arab without reason. At his trial, society calls him a monster. His indifference makes him an “Outsider.”

Outsider to Family: The novel begins with death. Meursault gets a telegram from Marengo. It says his mother has died. He says, 

“Mother died today. Or, maybe, yesterday; I can’t be sure.”

From the very first line, he shows indifference. Before the funeral, he drinks coffee and smokes. He does not weep. Thomas Pérez nearly faints under the hot sun. Meursault only feels the heat. Later, he says, 

“Mother now was buried, and tomorrow I’d be going back to work as usual.”

Society sees this as shocking. A son who cannot cry becomes an outsider to family and society.

Outsider to Love: The very next day, Meursault meets Marie Cardona at the beach. They swim. They laugh. They go to the cinema and watch a comedy. At night, they sleep together. Marie loves him truly. Meursault says, 

“Marie came that evening and asked me if I’d marry her.” 

Meursault answers coldly, 

“I said I didn’t mind; if she was keen on it, we’d get married.”

This reply surprises Marie. She stays with him, but he never shows passion. Even in prison, she visits him. But he remains calm and indifferent. His lack of love makes him an outsider in personal life.

Outsider to Neighbors and Morality: Meursault’s neighbors show another side of alienation. Salamano curses and beats his old dog. Yet when the dog runs away, he