A Critical Introduction to The Stranger by Albert Camus

by Ray Moore

The Second Edition of this popular critical study has been significantly expanded and completely revised, making it the most thorough single-volume study of Camus’ classic novel. A Critical Introduction places Camus’ ideas in context.
Part One shows the development of his thought in the early essays, the unpublished “A Happy Death”, the plays “Caligula” and “The Misunderstanding”, and the philosophical work “The Myth of Sisyphus”.
Building on this foundation, Part Two gives a detailed, consistent reading of “The Stranger”. The aim throughout, is to explain the meaning that Camus intended his text to have, thus meeting the needs of both the general reader and the student up to graduate level.
This guide is thought provoking and encourages the reader to develop their own ideas about interpreting the central themes of the text.

Genres: Philosophy

243 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 8, 2012

About the author

Ray Moore

Reviews

[Dennis Petito · Rating 4 out of 5]

My second favorite of Camus's trilogy (Stranger, Plague, Fall), with the Plague topping the list. The book introduces the reader to the concept of the absurd. The character development is quite fascinating and much has been written about it and the plot/story development which I will not repeat here. I suggest reading Sartre's commentary on The Stranger as a good reference, along with Camus's The Myth of Sisyphus. You will need to spend some time on this book to understand what Camus is trying to convey in his character. I read the book in high school and then in college. This was my third time, many years later, and the story unfolded for me much more smoothly. Invest in it and you will get more out of it.

[William Bonner · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting story

[Cath Sharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

damn damn good

[Jerri Harrington · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Stranger by Albert Camus is a book worth reading more than once. The first time I read it was in my French 3 class, and I have to admit that I lost a lot in my translation. This time my husband and I listened to most of the book on our drive home from the beach. It is not a cheery book, considering it is about the futility of life. The main character, Marceaux, had a very negative and bland view of life. My husband and I enjoyed discussing portions of the book. We have great hope for this life and the life to come, being devoted to Christ and His teachings, but our hearts went out to poor Marceaux who did not take his own life or the lives of anyone around him seriously, and suffered ultimate consequences for his apathy and indecision.