“The Outsider” (also known as “The Stranger”) is a novel written by Albert Camus and published in 1942. It tells the story of Meursault, a detached and apathetic Algerian man who becomes involved in a series of events that lead to his arrest and trial for murder. Here is a detailed summary of “The Outsider”:

Part One: The novel begins with Meursault receiving news of his mother’s death. He attends her funeral but appears emotionally detached, showing little grief or sorrow. He interacts with others in a matter-of-fact manner, which goes against societal norms of expressing mourning. Meursault’s indifference and lack of conformity to social expectations are recurring themes throughout the story.

After the funeral, Meursault befriends his neighbor, Raymond Sintès, who involves him in a conflict with an Arab man. Raymond beats his Arab girlfriend and seeks Meursault’s assistance in writing a letter to lure her back. Meursault agrees, and they encounter the Arab man later, leading to a confrontation.

Part Two: Meursault, Raymond, and some friends visit a beach house owned by Raymond. There, Meursault becomes increasingly affected by the intense heat and the blinding sunlight. In a moment of disorientation and heightened emotions, he shoots and kills the Arab man who was involved in the earlier altercation.

The subsequent chapters focus on Meursault’s arrest and his time in prison. He remains emotionally detached and indifferent, refusing to play into the courtroom drama or express remorse for his actions. The prosecutor uses Meursault’s perceived lack of grief for his mother’s death against him, arguing that it demonstrates his moral depravity and justifies a harsh sentence.

Part Three: Meursault’s trial reaches its climax as the prosecutor presents his case. Meursault’s lack of conformity to societal norms and his apparent apathy toward life are highlighted as damning evidence. Despite his lawyer’s attempts to defend him, Meursault is ultimately found guilty of premeditated murder.

In the final chapters, Meursault reflects on his impending execution. He acknowledges the absurdity and indifference of life, stating that his actions were a result of the blinding sunlight and his inability to resist its influence. He finds solace in accepting his fate and embracing the inevitability of death.

“The Outsider” explores existentialist themes and the concept of the absurd. Meursault’s detachment and refusal to conform to societal expectations make him an outsider, an individual who does not fit into the established norms. The novel challenges traditional notions of morality, questioning the significance of human actions and the meaning of life.

Overall, “The Outsider” by Albert Camus presents a provocative exploration of existentialism, individualism, and societal norms. It raises questions about the nature of existence, the consequences of nonconformity, and the role of absurdity in human life.