The setting of a novel can have a profound impact on the development of the story and its characters. In Albert Camus’ enigmatic first novel, The Stranger, the setting plays a crucial role in shaping the narrative.
The story takes place in French Algeria during the 1940s, a time when the country was colonized by the French. Through the three main settings of the novel – French Algeria, Meursault’s apartment, and the beach – Camus explores themes of isolation, existentialism, and the effects of colonialism on society.
In this article, we will delve deeper into the significance of the setting in The Stranger and how it contributes to the overall meaning of the novel.
Where Is The Stranger Set Albert Camus
The Stranger is set in French Algeria, a country that was colonized by the French in the 19th century. The novel takes place during the 1940s, a time when Algeria was still under French rule. This setting is crucial to the development of the story and its characters.
The novel’s protagonist, Meursault, is an existentialist who struggles to find meaning in his life. His lack of emotion and detachment towards his mother’s death and his relationships with others are a reflection of the societal isolation that existed in French Algeria during this time.
The setting of Meursault’s apartment also plays a significant role in the novel. It is a small, cramped space that reflects Meursault’s inner turmoil and sense of confinement. The apartment serves as a physical manifestation of Meursault’s existential crisis, highlighting his sense of isolation and detachment from the world around him.
The beach is another important setting in The Stranger. It is where Meursault goes with his friend Raymond, which ultimately leads to the shooting of an Arab man. The intense heat and blinding sun at the beach serve as a metaphor for Meursault’s inner turmoil and confusion. The sun becomes a symbol of Meursault’s existential crisis, representing the overwhelming nature of his emotions and his struggle to find meaning in life.
The Historical Context Of French Algeria
To fully understand the impact of the setting on The Stranger, it is important to consider the historical context of French Algeria. In the 1830s, France began its invasion and eventual colonization of Algeria, which lasted until 1962. During this time, the French implemented policies of segregation and discrimination against the Arab population.
The novel takes place during the 1940s, a time when Algeria was still under French rule and tensions between the French and Arab populations were high. The discrimination and segregation faced by the Arabs is reflected in the novel through the treatment of Meursault’s Arab neighbors and the casual racism exhibited by some of the French characters.
Camus himself was born in French Algeria, and his personal experience with the colonial system likely influenced his portrayal of the setting in The Stranger. While the novel does not explicitly address colonialism or its impact on Algerian society, it can be read as a critique of the discriminatory nature of French rule.
Meursault’s Apartment: A Symbol Of Isolation
Meursault’s apartment is a key setting in The Stranger, and it serves as a symbol of his isolation and detachment from the world around him. The small, cramped space reflects Meursault’s inner turmoil and sense of confinement, highlighting his existential crisis.
Throughout the novel, Meursault spends a significant amount of time in his apartment. It is where he returns after his mother’s funeral, where he spends time with Marie, and where he converses with Raymond. However, despite the various interactions that take place in the apartment, Meursault remains emotionally distant and detached from those around him.
The apartment’s physical characteristics also emphasize Meursault’s isolation. The small space feels claustrophobic and oppressive, with little natural light or fresh air. The walls are bare and there are no personal belongings or decorations, emphasizing Meursault’s lack of attachment to anything or anyone.
Furthermore, the apartment is located in a building with other tenants who are not connected to Meursault in any way. This further emphasizes his sense of isolation and detachment from society. Meursault seems to exist in his own world, separate from those around him.
The Beach: The Climactic Scene
The beach scene is the climax of The Stranger, where Meursault’s existential crisis reaches its peak. Meursault, Raymond, and Marie are at Masson’s beach house when they encounter two Arabs, one of whom is the brother of Raymond’s mistress. A fight ensues, and Raymond is stabbed by the Arab. Meursault tries to warn Raymond about the knife but is too late. The Arab and his friend then run away.
The tension continues to build as Meursault follows Raymond to confront the Arab brothers at the nearby spring. Meursault tries to convince Raymond not to shoot, but he eventually hands over his gun. The Arab draws his knife, and Meursault is overcome by the intense heat and blinding sun. In a moment of confusion and desperation, Meursault fires the gun, killing the Arab.
The beach scene is significant because it represents the culmination of Meursault’s existential crisis. He is faced with a situation that challenges his beliefs and values, forcing him to confront his own mortality and the meaninglessness of life. The intense heat and blinding sun serve as a metaphor for Meursault’s inner turmoil, highlighting the overwhelming nature of his emotions and his struggle to find meaning in life.
The Effects Of Colonialism On Society
The effects of French colonialism on Algerian society are also present in The Stranger. The novel portrays the oppressive nature of French rule and its impact on the Algerian people. Meursault’s indifference towards the suffering of the Arab man he shoots can be seen as a reflection of the dehumanizing effects of colonialism. The novel also highlights the discriminatory nature of French rule, with Algerians being treated as second-class citizens in their own country.
Albert Camus himself was a product of this colonial society, and his work reflects the complex relationship that he had with it. While he was critical of the discriminatory nature of French rule, he never entirely renounced the civilizing premise of colonialism. This is likely due to his relation to his mother and his own personal history.
Existentialism In The Stranger: How The Setting Contributes To The Theme
The setting of French Algeria in The Stranger is integral to the exploration of existentialism in the novel. Meursault’s detachment from society and his struggle to find meaning in life are reflective of the societal isolation that existed in French Algeria during this time. The colonized country was characterized by a sense of displacement and detachment, which is mirrored in Meursault’s own existential crisis.
The physical setting of Meursault’s apartment also contributes to the theme of existentialism. The small, cramped space reflects Meursault’s inner turmoil and sense of confinement, highlighting his struggle to find meaning in life. The apartment serves as a physical manifestation of Meursault’s existential crisis, emphasizing his sense of isolation and detachment from the world around him.
The beach is another important setting that contributes to the theme of existentialism in The Stranger. The intense heat and blinding sun at the beach serve as a metaphor for Meursault’s inner turmoil and confusion. The sun becomes a symbol of Meursault’s existential crisis, representing the overwhelming nature of his emotions and his struggle to find meaning in life.
Overall, the setting of French Algeria in The Stranger plays a significant role in exploring the theme of existentialism. Meursault’s detachment from society, his struggle to find meaning in life, and the physical settings of his apartment and the beach all contribute to this exploration.
