O princípio do prazer de Mersault em O Estrangeiro de Albert Camus

Abstract

This article will discuss elements of Albert Camus’ novel L’etranger [The Stranger] that involve the characterization of the protagonist Meursault. It intends to demonstrate the coherence of the character, even within Camus’ absurd logic, using Freud’s concept of the pleasure principle. What can be found is a scathing criticism of society and its values, taken to extremes by the inversions utilized by the author. Death, at first a punishment, becomes liberation. The crime for which Meursault should be judged – murder –, pales into insignificance in the face of the judgment of his mother’s death – from natural causes. Through accepting his death sentence he is brought to life. Inversions such as these, together with Meursault’s coherence, map an absurd game in which the pleasure principle is the only constant. Until, that is, caution is thrown to the wind and the balance is destroyed.