The Inevitability of Death

Meursault’s notion of the inevitability of death stems from his focus on chance occurrences and the physical rather than mental or emotional aspects of life. It is clear that he is solely concerned with the physical aspects of life, as he is constantly aware of his own body, the sun’s heat and Maria’s body, among other components of the physical world. Contrastingly, Meursault is not aware of his own emotions. He lacks grief for his mother’s death, love for Maria, and remorse for his murder of the Arab.

He is indifferent to everything life throws his way as he feels the world is indifferent to him. This is where his notion of the inevitability of death comes from. During the trial, Meursault emphasizes that the fact that everyone dies is the only true fact. He does not feel singled out by the world, just simply that he fell to unlucky circumstances, as will be the case for everyone at some point.

This is how Meursault defends his case. His murder was merely a matter of chance. He has no mental awareness of any rational reasons as to why he committed the murder. However, his lawyer and the prosecutor attempt to create such rational reasons behind his actions in order to protect society. Society likes rationality because it is more comforting. Meursault’s inability to offer such rational motives behind his murder creates fear among the people, hence why members of society are trying to come up with the rationality of his actions.

Living a life guided solely by the physical world and chance gives Meursault the feeling of indifference to the world. He thus has indifference to remaining in the world. In realizing this indifference within himself, Meursault is able to accept his upcoming death with the sense of its inevitability.