Stranger Prompt 4 Outline

Thesis: Through the span of the novel, Meursault embodies the absurdist philosophy and ultimately accepts the greatest truth of absurdism.

Body 1: Meursault actions and relationships have no deeper meanings. Meursault's intentions are based solely on the pro and cons of the matter.

• Meursault's murder of the Arab had no connection to his emotional state or his current situation. Meursault simply killed the man, in such a detached manner, because he could. He had the ability to kill the man so he took it. ~"I can either shoot or not shoot"
• Meursault's relationship with Marie is spawned from the pure pleasure that it provides. He has no deeper intentions to marry her or love her. In leaving out the fact that they had sex, Meursault hides (and makes it very clear) the fact that he gets pleasure from Marie and he ~"enjoys her company"

Body 2: Every other character attempts to attach meaning to Meursault's actions. The extreme difficulty and frustration they have in doing this shows that Meursault truly has no intentions.

• The prosecution in Meursault's trial focuses intently on the death of Maman and how that affected (or did not affect) Meursault. The prosecution attempts to connect Meursault's lack of empathy to his murder. But Meursault only kills because "the sun made [him] do it" 
• Marie ponder's Meursault's detachment from the relationship. She figures that Meursault's kisses are attributed to his love, even though they truly are not. There is large miss communication.

Body 3: While living his final days in his cell, Meursault discovers the true point of absurdism. He realizes that everyone will die eventually and recognizes the “gentle indifference of the world". He realizes that because life has no meaning, he does not need to care about what others think  he does not need to abide by the rules of society. Meursault identifies himself as an outsider, a stranger.