The Stranger #3

The conclusion of The Stranger by Albert Camus, is an ultimate representation of existentialism. Meursault lives his entire life believing that humanity must live in a world that will always he hostile and indifferent towards it. The atheist view towards religion is that people create stories, gods and idols which in their mind transcend reality. Meursault is an amoral character. He has no fear of consequences and does not base his actions on what others will think or on what the consequences will be. He believes that those who dedicate their lives to limitations because of religion and personal beliefs are already dead: "'Have you no hope at all? And do you really live with the thought that when you die, you die, and nothing remains?' 'Yes,' I said" (117). Meursault's indifference toward religion frustrates the chaplain. The main theme displayed through these final scenes are significant to understand Meursault as a character. Every action has a consequence, and everyone acts as an individual to decide on their actions and take responsibility for them. Each person determines their own meaning to life, regardless of whether others project meaning onto your behavior. As the chaplain tells Meursault to turn to God before his execution he says, "Every man I have known in your position has turned to Him" (116-117). The chaplain is accustomed to the same routine of repentance before death. Meursault's ignorance toward the chaplain's claims are absurd to him. The juxtaposition of a religious extremist and an atheist represents the mindset of people on both sides of the spectrum.