Outsider

This book is the work that brought French author Albert Camus fame. The Stranger is divided into two parts: The first part describes the events unfolding over three days following the death of the protagonist, Meursault's, mother. Not only does he show no sorrow over her passing, he even appears indifferent. One day, blinded by the sun, he impulsively shoots and kills an Arab. The second part recounts Meursault's arrest, trial, and sentencing to death. In court, the investigating judge, the chaplain, the prosecutor, and the defense attorney focus less on the case itself and instead repeatedly subject Merleau to harsh moral judgments about his soul and character. Throughout, Merleau maintains his innocence, rendering the entire process utterly absurd. Camus masterfully portrays the prejudices of the human heart, the nihilism of existence, and the absurdity of society. "e;The Outsider"e; has thus become one of the most iconic characters and crucial keywords in Western literary and philosophical history.