An esaay evaluating and explaining symbolism and rhetoric devices used in the novel The Stranger

In Albert Camus' absurdist novel, The Stranger, Meursault's detachment from society and his killing of the Arab reveal moral and ethical implications for him and his society. As is common in many absurdist novels, Camus discusses the estrangement - and later development - of an individual in a benign and indifferent universe, one in which conformity prevails. Camus not only satirizes the conformity of society, but religion and the legal system as well. By writing …

…blinding sun represents his initial inability to control his emotions. Yet by the end, he welcomes it. Camus again discusses society's values when talking about the crowds flocking to the executions. This also emphasizes conformity and the alienation of people who are different. At the end of the book, Meursault hopes that a lot of people come to his execution with their burning hatred. At least then they will have found some meaning in life.