The Absurdity of Man Essay - 621 Words

Absurdity is defined as that which is contrary to reason; clearly untrue, unreasonable or ridiculous. It is often a topic in existentialist writings relating to life. This subject is prevalent in Camus’ â€Å"The Stranger† and â€Å"The Myth of Sisyphus.† Camus depicts absurdity bringing about happiness or indifference in each of these literary works. In â€Å"The Myth of Sisyphus,† it is made clear that Sisyphus is aware that his existence is absurd. He is sentenced to an eternity of rolling a boulder up a steep mountain only to let it roll back down when it reaches its peak. His tragedy lies in the fact that he is conscious of the extent of his own misery. What makes his struggle very absurd is that he knows that there is no death at the end of it.†¦show more content†¦The fact that Meursault’s indifference led him outside the â€Å"conventional† moral code, was what brought about his death sentence. He was convicted because he adm itted that he felt no sadness over his mother dying, not because he killed a man. The only thing that concerned him was his upcoming execution, and he felt that his stay in prison was the same as living in his apartment. The few hours before his death is when Meursault begins to â€Å"live.† He realizes the change that is going to take place is permanent and final. This is when he awakens to absurdity, believing that death is just as meaningless as life. His lack of understanding of change was what had caused his indifference. He realized that everyone is â€Å"privileged† with one unavoidable change in life, which is death. He never actually â€Å"lives† until change in his life is imminent. Meursault’s absurdity achieves happiness as well. He realizes that before he was imprisoned he was happy, he had a good job and a girlfriend and nothing really to complain about. Since he also realizes his absurdity and has a reason for his indifference, he is happy. Once he realizes that life or death will achieve the same thing in his situation, he’s not concerned withShow MoreRelatedExistentialism in Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison Essay573 Words   |  3 PagesRalph Ellison’s Invisible Man tells the story of an intelligent black man who has been oppressed by various people throughout his life. Ellison’s novel proves to be deeply existential, showing the essence of what it means to be a human being and actually existing with others while at the same time being independent. The nameless protagonist deals endlessly with authenticity, absurdity, and alienation—conditions Ellison links to the harsh realities of being black in America. This protagonist triesRead MoreThe Criticistity Of Absurdity In The Stranger By Albert Camus944 Words   |  4 Pagesthis novel, I noticed how Camus involves his philosophical belief of absurdity through the main character. Absurdity is the state of being ridiculous or widely unreasonab le. 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