The Stranger

In Albert's Camus's The Stranger Meursault is a strange character who is an outcast of society. This present an the interesting opportunity for two realities to be represented. One from the view of society itself and the other from Meursault. Society places Meursault upon the outskirts because of his lack of emotional expression. Throughout the novel Meursault is a character that is hard to connect with because all that is expressed is his actions and small thoughts. The opportunity to see into his emotions isn't available. From this view Meusalut becomes an outcast to the reader, as well. When he is placed on trial the jury not only declares him guilty for murder but also condemns him because of his "lack" of emotion at his mothers funeral. Society's reality is challenged and that is what makes Meursault's reality clear. He lives his life based on what he feels, not on what society wants or expects of him too feel. Is this message that Camu was really trying to portray through this novel? That life is what you make it and why should that be judged?