SOCIETAL EXPECTATIONS AND INDIVIDUAL AUTHENTICITY: A STUDY OF MEURSAULT'S REBELLION

Abstract

This study examines Albert Camus’s philosophy of absurdism through a critical reading of his seminal novel (The Stranger) (1942), with particular focus on the conflict between societal expectations and individual authenticity. While absurdism is often interpreted negatively, this research contends that it can function as a constructive framework for confronting the irrationality of human existence. Using qualitative thematic analysis, the study identifies how Camus employs the character of Meursault to depict the tension between conformity and personal freedom. By exploring Meursault’s emotional detachment, rejection of conventional morality, and defiance of societal norms, the research demonstrates how absurdism provides an avenue for resilience, meaning-making, and optimism in a seemingly indifferent universe. The findings reveal that Camus redefines rebellion not as destructive resistance but as a positive assertion of authenticity in the face of absurdity. Ultimately, this study highlights the enduring significance of absurdism for understanding human existence, emphasizing its relevance to contemporary discussions on anxiety, alienation, and the search for meaning.