Indifference is the Ataraxy of the Sage

Champigny, Robert. "Ethics and Aesthetics in The Stranger." Modern Critical Interpretations: Albert Camus's The Stranger. (2001): 47-56. Print.

Robert Champigny demonstrates how The Stranger is told in the first person and this first person is not limited to the introduction of the events, because the narrator is also a commentator. Meursault, as a narrator, affirms his presence outside and above the human character caught in the flow of events. Champigny argues that Meursault “neutralizes the sum of events” and eliminates himself of the “’evil’, that is to say, of the temptation of pseudo-values” (55). Meursault associates a closeness between his outlook and the indifference of the universe, which results in a personal indifferent outlook on life. Champigny explains that Meursault’s “indifference is the ataraxy of the sage”, which lacks, but permits, the penetration of tenderness (55). According to Champigny, this tenderness, as well as this indifference, characterizes the tone of the narration. Champigny argues that a person does not have to imagine his or her own life in order to experience it, but when it comes to subject matter, in this case being Meursault, it has to be imagined to gain the full experience.

Champigny’s point of view allows a connection to be seen between the narration and the indifference of Meursault. Champigny explains that throughout Meursault’s narration, even when merely describing events, he consistently neutralizes events, which make the events, and himself, come off as indifferent. Champigny argues that Meursault’s “indifference is the ataraxy of the sage”, meaning his indifference provides a tranquil state of mind for knowledgeable reader. This statement is something important to consider when determining the ability and extent to which one’s mind may be able to form a connection to the narrator. A reader may not actually be “relating” to Meursault’s indifference, but they may be able to identify with his indifference because of the tranquil state of mind it provides. Champigny’s argument also suggests that Meursault’s indifference causes the reader’s mind not to contain or allow the infiltration of compassion. Readers must be able to grasp this indifference in their imagination in order to gain the full experience of the story. All things considered, Champigny’s point of view is something worth considering, because he demonstrates why Meursault’s indifference is necessary.