The novel, The Stranger, prompts the reader to question their own value of life. At one point, Mersault states, “Since we’re all going to die, it’s obvious that when and how don’t matter” (114). While reading, I tried to distance myself from the writing because I have a radically different view and did not necessarily want to believe this is true. Whereas Mersault finds that living this way, and valuing life as he does sets him free, and guides him to true happiness. Even more so, Mersault claims that we are all going to die at some point, so nothing in life really matters. 

During Meursault’s mother’s funeral, he seems to be at ease and unfazed, besides the sun which seemed to cause him the most discomfort. Mersault had more to say about the sun blaring on him, yet minimal about his reaction to her death. Most people would find this to be somewhat absurd to not cry or show any emotion at their mothers funeral. Throughout the novel, Meursault provides many reasons to make you question who he is as a person.