Indifference in The Stranger by Albert Camus In Albert Camus' novel, The Stranger, the main character Meursault shows a unique indifference towards this that surrounds him and the world around him. It takes him some time to come to terms with his indifference, but when he does he feels truly free from the constricting constraints of society. He leads an apathetic lifestyle characterized by the constant lack of a definitive personality. Meursault wanders through life as if in a drunken stupor, living the life of a pleasure seeker. When he accepts his death he is relieved of the pressure of dealing with guilt and relationships with other people. Meursault's guilt plays an important role in the novel regarding his daily dealings with his attitude towards life in general. Meursault feels guilty for not feeling guilty. He knows that when he finds himself in a situation like his mother's death, he should have felt guilt and remorse, but he didn't and so his emotional state turned into an apologetic one. The concept of Meursault apologizing instead of feeling guilty is illustrated when he asks for time off from work to go to his mother's funeral. "I'm sorry, sir, but it's not my fault, you know." p.1 He was sorry for leaving work and so apologized, but then thought to himself that he knows that under the circumstances, he didn't need to feel sorry for asking for a couple of days off. Meursault later wishes to reconcile with his mother regarding sending her to a home. He was sorry to do so, but the house manager assured him that he had done everything he could for her, given her situation. Since Meursault works in a city a few hours' bus ride away, he hasn't been able to visit his mother as often... middle of paper... ...difference to the world he feels free because he no longer has to do so respond to anyone or be bothered to do something that takes him away from his true love of personal pleasure. Meursault lives in the moment without regard for the ramifications or consequences of his actions. When his moment of purification from pain arrives, he is elated by the energy he feels in front of the crowd that has gathered to watch him lose his life. Before being beheaded he comes to terms with his life, he believes that now that it is about to end he will be able to satisfy his need to achieve supreme pleasure. If I had been put in the same circumstance, I would have already come to terms with my mortality knowing that I was facing death for the crime I had committed. Because I don't know if I believe in God, I don't know if I would wait for the afterlife or fear ending up in nothingness.