What Message do you Get From “The Outsider?”

Answer

What message do you get from “The Outsider?” 

The central message of “The Outsider” (1942) by Albert Camus (1913-1960) is the acceptance of life’s absurdity. It emphasizes the rejection of societal conventions that attempt to impose meaning on a meaningless world.

Life’s Absurdity and Meaninglessness: Through the character of Meursault, Camus illustrates that life is indifferent and lacks inherent purpose. Meursault refuses to conform to society’s expectations. He shows that living truthfully, even if it leads to alienation, is more meaningful than pretending to fit in.

Detachment and Society’s Judgments: Meursault’s indifference to events like his mother’s death shows his understanding that life’s events are random and unimportant. In the novel’s famous opening line, Meursault says,

Maman died today. Or yesterday, I don’t know,

This striking line reveals his detachment from traditional views on grief. This indifference shocks people because it goes against the deep respect society places on family bonds. Later, Meursault’s lack of emotional display becomes a key point in his trial. Meursault is condemned not so much for the murder he commits but for his lack of emotion at his mother’s funeral. The prosecutor says,

When I look into a man’s face … all I see is a monster,

This fact shows how society imposes rules on how people should feel and behave in certain situations.

In conclusion, “The Outsider” encourages readers to confront life’s absurdity and embrace it rather than seeking comfort in false beliefs. Meursault finds peace when he “opened [himself] to the gentle indifference of the world.” The novel suggests that true freedom lies in accepting life as it is, without pretending it has more meaning.