In Camus' The Stranger, the author exposes a tension between society and the protagonist's perspective of society. The reader comes to understand the pointlessness of existence through the protagonist's lens. Although society defines people by actions, Meursault rejects ideas of categorization and embraces a nihilistic view of life. This judgment passed on individuals is based on an individual's actions. Meursault realizes that everything that lives must die, therefore no matter what one does in life, …showed first 75 words of 932 total…

…showed last 75 words of 932 total…only guarantee in life is death. Meursault would die regardless of whether he killed the Arab or not. Meursault has reached the understanding that his life is not affected by his actions; it is only affected by his inevitable death. Meursault justifies his actions with his indifference. Whatever he has done in his life could not save him from his death. Meursault's emotional detachment and disconnect from everyday emotions make him a stranger to humanity.