Abstract

The paper is a reading of Camus’s The Stranger from the perspective of the existentialists’ own distinction between existence and essence. After defending the plausibility of such a reading— especially in terms of avoiding an analysis which would bring Camus too close to the philosophy of Sartre—I cite various passages from both parts of the novel to support my position. Part One of the novel, I argue, is predominantly devoted to introducing a number of important themes regarding human existence. Part Two, on the other hand, enmeshes Meursault in various forms of stereotypes or essences. The paper attempts to present a clear and coherent reading of The Stranger which brings the novel back to the heart of the existentialist movement