The Choice Of Happiness Hindered By Societies Corruptness

       The corrupt society within The Stranger by Albert Camus ultimately decides protagonist Monsieur Meursault's happiness by alienating him because of his differences. Monsieur Meursault was an honest man who followed the path life had given him. His indifference contributed to his honesty, as he stated his observations plainly and straightforward. Meursault was a dedicated worker, did what his friends asked of him, and was straight forward with his feelings. Yet, because he was so brutally honest, society feels threatened by his differences. Meursault claims that "he wasn't dissatisfied with [his life] here at all" (pg 41). However, after Meursault shoots an Arab and ends up in jail he recognizes that he is unhappy. During his time in prison, he is harshly judged by his lawyer, as well as others. He is treated unkindly and as if he is a monster. His own feelings of honesty condemn him in a way, because society is uncomfortable with his feelings. Meursault was a man who made the choice to be satisfied, one may say happy, with his life. Society, however, made the decision for him to be unhappy by depicting Meursault as different and evil.

Meursault made the choice to be happy (or satisfied).

Society, however, made the choice to make Meursault unhappy.