The Stranger Part One, Chapter I

Overview of "The Stranger"

• Written by Albert Camus, originally titled "L’Étranger"
• Published in 1942, translated into English by Stuart Gilbert

Part One, Chapter I

• Opens with the protagonist receiving news of his mother's death: "MOTHER died today. Or, maybe, yesterday; I can't be sure."
• The telegram indicates uncertainty regarding the date of death and is sent from a Home for Aged Persons located in Marengo, approximately fifty miles from Algiers.
• The protagonist plans to attend the funeral, reflecting an emotional detachment, stating it's almost as if his mother isn’t really dead.
• His employer grants him two days of leave; however, there is an underlying tension as he perceives annoyance from the employer.
• The protagonist reflects on societal expectations of grief, anticipating condolences when he returns wearing black.
• He experiences a disconnect from the mourning process and engages in routine activities, such as dining at Céleste's restaurant, which adds to his emotional detachment.

Themes

• Absurdism: The narrative introduces themes of absurdism through the protagonist's indifferent reaction to death and social conventions.
• Isolation: The protagonist feels isolated from the emotions surrounding his mother's death, hinting at a broader existential struggle.
• Societal Expectations: Highlights the dissonance between personal feelings and societal norms regarding grief and mourning.

Characterization

• The protagonist exhibits a sense of apathy and detachment, contrasting societal expectations of sorrow and grief after a parental death.
• Céleste's commentary, "There’s no one like a mother," underscores the traditional view of maternal relationships, which the protagonist seems to reject.

Setting

• The story begins in Algiers, emphasizing the heat and atmosphere that reflect the protagonist's emotional state.
• The Home for Aged Persons serves as a backdrop, symbolizing detachment from familial bonds and emotional connections.

Dive into the first chapter of Albert Camus' 'The Stranger', where the protagonist grapples with the news of his mother's death. He displays emotional detachment and reflects on societal expectations of grief, revealing the complexity of human emotions. Explore how Camus introduces themes of isolation and existentialism in this poignant opening.