Existentialism is a philosophical movement that focuses on self-existence. A main idea of existentialism is that people believe that they live in a comprehensible, connected, and predictable universe, however the universe is in actuality irrational, disconnected and predictable. Human beings are entirely free and accountable for their own acts. A person in turn, picks his future and how he wants to live it. No one forces a person to do anything or to think a certain way. A person makes his or her own choices and they must accept the consequences. .
From the various works read this year, existentialism was found. Throughout the novel, The Stranger, many existentialist views are present. Meursault is an impassive character whose apathy to others makes him an existentialist. When Meursault shot the Arab and his actions following helped me understand existentialism more. Why did he shoot the Arab? The Arab had taken out his knife, however that wasn't the reason Meursault shot him. He was bothered by the glare of the sun reflecting off the knife of the Arab and the blistering heat. He was not in danger nor did he feel in danger, he was merely uncomfortable. Later on in the novel, Meursault knew what he did was wrong and was ready to pay the consequences. He elected to shoot the Arab, and no one forced him to do it. In the last chapter before his sentencing, Meursault said, "I felt that I had been happy and that I was happy again." This quote signifies how he felt there was no difference between life and death. It just further proves the point that he is emotionless. Another example was when Marie asked if he would marry her and he said he didn't care and that it was up to her. .
During the beginning of the novel, Meursault showed no feeling whatsoever for anything. When he was put into the same situation as his mother was, he begins to see how his mother felt before she dies.