Absurdity and The Significance of the Idea of Death in Albert Camus’ L’Étranger

L’Étranger written by Albert Camus shows the concept of absurdity states that to face absurdity, one must confront it with consciousness and live through the absurd life until death. This article aims to reveal how death, which consistently occurs in L’Étranger, is related to Camus’ concept of absurdity. Through the analysis of focalization development apparent in the story, the recurring events of death as told through Meursault’s narration become the key to show the connection between Camus’ idea of absurdity and death. The storyline and narrative breakdowns show that the deaths in L’Étranger expose the main character to the steps towards becoming the Absurd Man. Despite being alienated, Meursault shows how being the stranger in a world of absurdity means accepting the inevitability of death by continuing to live the absurd life with consciousness.