Heat In The Stranger By Albert Camus

In The Stranger, Albert Camus uses heat to characterize Meursault and novel progression to present the principles of existentialism such as absurdism and choices and commitment. Absurdism refers to the belief that human beings exist in a purposeless, chaotic universe and nothing can explain or rationalize human existence. Camus constantly has Meursault describe the Algerian environment to emphasize the absurdity of the universe. Meursault acts very strangely at his mother’s funeral by not mourning and not giving a closure to their relationship despite after several chances. He lists, “the sun, the smell of leather and horse dung from the hearse, the smell of varnish and incense…I could feel the blood pounding in my temples” (Source A). The

This frustration later haunts him at the beach after the fight with Arabs. The heat drives him to such an extent to where he has no other option but to kill the Arab to discard his frustration and Meursault follows through because he is not thinking clearly. During the trial, it is evident that the choices he made earlier have grave effect on him but he accepts the consequences. As the novel comes to an end, the reader can see that Meursault finally obtains the ability to think clearly. The day before the verdict is announced, he mentions “the sun was getting low and it wasn’t as hot anymore” (Source A). Meursault finally comes to realize that his death his near and that nothing really exists or matters in this irrational universe other than the simple pleasure and happiness. One may not have the freedom to make choices in this universe, but the individual does have incessant freedom to think and ponder about the situations and the choices taken. Similarly, the “Myth of Sisyphus”, who was punished for all eternity to roll a rock up a mountain only to have it roll back down to the bottom when he reaches the top (Source