The Strangers
by Albert Camus
MEET THE MAIN CHARACTERS!!
Meursault is physically detached from everyone around him. He doesn't show emotions and has a hard time distinguishing between good and bad.
Raymond Sintes is a troubled man, and he uses violence to solve his problems and beats on his mistress.
Marie Cardona signals off a sentimental and emotional attachment towards Meurasault. We only know her character through Meursault eyes.
STYLE
Extremely well written, Camus style is very straightforward and clear. He uses short sentences and has little description. Camus exposes all the cruelty and hypocrisy of society, and how those who "dare" to be different are heartlessly persecuted and victimized. The vocabulary is simple. At times, it even seems childlike, but there are also moments of profound clarity and expressiveness.
About the author
Albert Camus was born November 7th 1913 and passed away January 4th 1960 at the young age of 46. He was a studier of western philosophy and was awarded the 1957 Nobel Peace Prize for literature which "clearly illuminates human consciousness."
CONNECTIONS
Essentially, each person is a stranger to another unless connections are recognized. As for Meursault, he only knows what he does and doesn't know. If you asked him about anything outside of himself, he couldn't answer and doesn't care. This isolation is a fundamental aspect of the human condition. We all exist in this isolation and, without our own effort and need for companionship, we will continue to be isolated, and essentially strangers amongst strangers.