Connecting to The Stranger

My big blog question asks: In a culture where media and other people tend to shape us, how do we define our character and allow our true self to shine? Albert Camus’ The Stranger connects to this question because Meursault, Camus’ main character, allows himself to reject the expectations of society through his hedonistic beliefs and strange attitude. Meursault defines his character by allowing himself to be a pleasure seeker. Although we find Meursault to be odd, his way of life does in fact let him shine. I have been blogging about how we can define ourselves trying to find some answers and so far, Camus’ work has been the most helpful. Though we don’t need to become hedonistic to be true to ourselves, Camus’ displays that living to please ourselves may be the first step to defining our character. When you understand your wants and goals, you can create a lifestyle that permits you to be true to yourself.