1. "Mother died today. Or maybe yesterday; I can't be sure."

"The Stranger" is a philosophical novel written by Albert Camus. The story is set in 1940s Algiers, French Algeria, and revolves around the life of Meursault, a detached and indifferent man who feels no emotions or attachment to others.

The narrative begins with Meursault receiving news of his mother's death. Rather than showing grief or sadness, Meursault appears unemotional during the funeral and seems unaffected by the loss. He continues with his daily routines, engaging in casual relationships and participating in mundane activities.

As the story progresses, Meursault becomes entangled in a series of events that shape the course of his life. He befriends his neighbor Raymond, who involves him in a violent altercation with an Arab man. Meursault ultimately shoots and kills the Arab on a beach in a moment of intense heat and confusion.

During the subsequent trial, Meursault's character is put on trial just as much as the crime he committed. The prosecutor and society focus on his lack of emotions and detachment, turning it into a cause for condemnation. Meursault is found guilty and sentenced to death.

Throughout the novel, Meursault's existential nihilism becomes apparent. He acknowledges that life has no inherent meaning or purpose, and he continuously rejects societal norms and expectations. His outward indifference and refusal to conform contribute to his alienation from society.

"The Stranger" delves into themes of alienation, absurdity, and the futility of existence. It raises questions about the nature of man's existence and the search for meaning in an indifferent world.

In the final pages of the novel, Meursault finds solace in accepting the inevitability of death and embraces his own execution. He even dreams of a crowd cheering his death, suggesting a strange satisfaction in his own demise.

Overall, "The Stranger" offers a poignant exploration of existentialism and the consequences of defying societal norms. It remains a cornerstone of existential literature, confronting readers with the ultimate absurdity of the human condition.

1. The central irony in the book is that the protagonist, Meursault, becomes more alive and aware of the world around him after committing a senseless murder and going through a trial. Despite being sentenced to death, Meursault rejects the comforting lies and illusions of society by embracing the absurdity of life.