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Alienation from God and The Crucifix
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Examples
Absurdism
Upon Meursault's conviction, he realizes that he is indifferent to the world just as it is indifferent to him. He tells the Chaplain that he only has a little time left to live and he doesn't want to waste it on God. The Chaplain's pleas to Meursault only make him deny God more, and Meursault accepts the fact that the universe does not owe him anything.
Meursault's point of view is described as absurdist. In philosophy, "the absurd" refers to the conflict between the human tendency to seek inherent value and meaning in life and the human inability to find any. In this context absurd does not mean "logically impossible", but rather "humanly impossible". This viewpoint contributes to Meursault's alienation from God.
Symbolism
Visual Aid
The crucifix symbolizes the religion of Christianity, which contrasts with Meursault's absurdist point of view. The crucifix also highlights Meursault's refusal to believe in God, because he doesn't believe that life has a purpose. Therefore, he has no reason to seek salvation from God.
The picture depicts Meursaults rejection of religion. To him, God is a waste of time and nothing more than a bother. He doesn't feel that he should invest his time into trying to repent, which he clearly states to the Chaplin.
"What did other people's deaths or a mother's love matter to me; what did his God or the lives people choose or the fate they think they elect matter to me when we're all elected by the same fate, me and billions of privileged people like him who also called themselves my brothers? Couldn't he see, couldn't he see that? Everybody was privileged. There were only privileged people. The others would all be condemned one day. And he would be condemned, too. Page 121.
Alienation from God and the Crucifix
Significance
Activity
By: Miguel S., Nash R., Bailey R., Makenzie Z
Students will get into groups of four to analyze and discuss a variety of political cartoons that will test their ability to understand the theme of Alienation from God.
In the novel, Meursault is confronted by a religious man from the prison who cements Meursault's belief that God does not exist. The chaplain waves a crucifix at Meursault to try and convince him to accept God and be saved.
"Then God can help you," he said. "Every man I have known in your position has turned to him." I acknowledged that that was their right. It also meant that they must have had the time for it. As for me, I didn't want anybody's help, and I just didn't have the time to interest myself in what didn't interest me." Page 116-117.