The Strangers tracks the life of a remarkably indifferent man using an indifferent narrative. I question how aware our protagonist, Meursault, was of his mortality. Beyond awareness, I question whether mortality was an issue for him at all. Camus refers to Meursault as the “only Christ we deserve”, and in the story Meursault seems to find comfort when the magistrate refers to him as Monsieur Antichrist. Such ironic depictions of the same character create a paradox when examining Meursault.
Is he truly a saint or is he evil? The difficulty in answering this question is what helps readers understand such a misunderstood character. It is true that he is a murderer, and yet he remains faithful to his honesty. He hardly instigates emotional repercussions, but merely responds to any external effects. I believe that Camus was implying that one must be an protagonist as well as an antagonist to truly be humane.
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