The Absurd and Buddhist Philosophy in The Stranger of Albert Camus

Abstract

This research article focuses on a comparative study of the concept of absurdity in Albert Camus' novel The Stranger. The study examines this concept through the novel’s narrative, themes, and character behaviors, and compares the concept of absurdity with Buddhist philosophy to determine their points of congruence.

The researcher identified themes of absurdity within the narrative, centering on the protagonist, Meursault, and the events he experiences. These include his mother's death, his daily life, his interactions with those around him, and the murder of an Arab man along with his subsequent legal process. Absurdity also emerges through the behaviors of the other characters. When compared with Buddhist philosophy, several points of congruence were found, including the law of karma, impermanence and suffering (dukkha) as part of the Three Marks of Existence, the Noble Eightfold Path, the Four Virtues for a Good Household Life, and the Four Unfathomable Things (acinteyya) specifically regarding karma and the world. However, a key difference lies in the approach to eliminating suffering. Buddhism offers a path to Nirvana, which is the true cessation of suffering, whereas Camus suggests courageously confronting the suffering that life presents in this absurd world.