The Big Picture Axiom

Other than Meursault’s acts, which by themselves are completely existentialist, there’s another way the book presents a broader view on existentialism. Instead of searching for ideas in the details, the big picture represents too, the ideals of existentialism. For example, the idea that we as people desire to make rational decisions despite existing in an irrational universe is represented in the trial. An irrational Meursault sits quiet through his prosecution while strangers discuss about his soul, intentions, morale, and his fate. Essentially, the prosecution tries to reason the nature of Meursault’s actions

“…the prosecutor rose to his feet again, adjusted his robe, and declared that only someone with the naiveté of his esteemed colleague could fail to appreciate that between these two sets of facts there existed a profound fundamental, and tragic relationship.” (pg.96)

Somehow, reason is being imposed to what were otherwise irrational, or poorly justified acts.

“Fumbling a little with my words and realizing how ridiculous o sounded, I blurted out that it was because of the sun.” (pg.103)

However, the prosecutor and the jury refuse to believe in the absurdity of it all. That is humanity trying to make rational decisions, when in fact its existence surges from the opposite. There is a big discrepancy with what existentialists believe is the nature of life and the imposition of reason from the others who believe in motives. Ultimately, the truth is what we want to believe is true. The best example for this is the prosecution that said:

“I will prove it to you, gentlemen, and I will prove it in two ways. First, in the blinding clarity of the facts, and second, in the dim light cast by the mind of this criminal soul.” (pg.99)

And whose definitive belief was:

“I have retraced for you the course of events which led this man to kill with full knowledge of his actions.” (pg.99)

Despite everything, we are aware of the absurdity of the situation, because we saw through Meursault’s eye. This brings me to the next belief that existence is essentially absurd, and how the lack of motives from Meursault other than the sun, the indifference of the universe he embraced in the end, and his vision on the ephemeral universe goes represent the previous idea.

“The utter pointlessness of whatever I was doing there seized me by the throat…” (pg.104)