Essay Database

Novel: The Stranger Topic: Mersault's Existentialist Nature Related to That of an Animal “The Beast Within By: Trisha C. Throughout the development of Mersault’s character it becomes apparent that he relies upon animal instinct versus the more normal aspects of human nature. This animalistic approach to his environment helps to accentuate his existentialist view of the world. Animals only rely on their instincts, just as Meursault does. He has a difficult time feeling emotions …

…in Meursault’s beastly act because knives can be used to hunt animals. Meursault recognizes this, thus killing the beholder of the weapon. Meursault is a man whose characteristics are of a beast-like nature. He is an animal in the sense that he shows no emotion and relies solely on his physical drives. His personality and behavior can be easily linked to that of an animals’. Included in his existentialist opinion is his animalistic quality.