Social Robotizing And Idiosyncratic Subjectivity In Camus’ The Stranger: A Critical Perspective

Abstract

The present research studies nature, impact and consequences of individual-society conflict as portrayed in Albert Camus’ novel, The Stranger. All societies, beyond ages and spaces, imperially require their subject to observe societal norms that are purported, propagated and performed through social institutions. In response, spirited individual in such a society endeavors to preserve his/her singularity and uniqueness in contrast to societal demand of robotic compliance, be constructive or destructive for individual soul. As its attestation, history and literature contain such episodes and characters whereas societal space for individual expressions brings about obedience; contrariwise, an attempt for the reign of predefined, unified and domineering social norms necessitate rebellious noncompliance. In this regard, textual analysis of the selected novel has been carried out by employing close reading technique. The findings uphold that Meursault’s behavioral oddity is the direct result of prevalent societal imperialistic drives. The modern authoritative society of Meursault employs its institutes to reign over him by cutting his individualistic potentials down. In this struggle for survival, Meursault wins as he accepts physical assassination by uncompromising society but rejects its offer of material prosperity on the cost of psychic apathy.