The Stranger

Historical Context and Significance

The Stranger, a novel by Albert Camus first published in 1942, is one of the author's most famous works and a classic of the 20th century. The novel explores themes of the absurdity of human life and the search for meaning in an indifferent, alien world. The Stranger laid the foundation for existentialism as a philosophical movement and influenced an entire generation of thinkers, writers, and public figures. The story of Meursault, the main character, who confronts the absurdity of societal norms and his own feelings, provides a profound analysis of human existence and moral questions. Camus, using simplicity and clarity, created a work that continues to provoke numerous interpretations and discussions.