Albert Camus' novel The Stranger is a fictional story that presents strong philosophical themes such as the irrationality of the universe and the lack of meaning in life human. Throughout the novel, it is clear that the narrator and protagonist – a young man named Meursault – is the only character capable of understanding and appreciating these philosophical ideas or truths. This is why he is a foreigner. As a result, other social groups, including women, are represented as superficial because they constantly attempt to identify or create rational structure and meaning in their lives – Camus's notion of absurdity. Women constitute a social group that exhibits attributes of attachment, hope, and ambition which, in the novel, constitute a vain attempt to impose rationality when it does not exist. Thus, Camus implies that women are superficial – lacking a deeper understanding of the universe. The concept of attachment is associated with many female characters throughout the novel. Marie clearly shows attachment to Meursault as she enjoys physical contact, enjoys kissing in public, and engages in casual sex. Furthermore, her visit to Meursault in prison consolidates her sentimental desire for him. We can even see evidence of Meursault's mother's attachment to men. When the director of the EHPAD was asked if Meursault's mother “reproached [Meursault] for sending her to the EHPAD… he replied: 'Yes'” (Camus, 86). When she loses the last male figure in her life, she soon finds another: Thomas Perez. “[Thomas Perez] and your mother had become almost inseparable”(18), the nursing home caretaker said. Marie is also unable to let go of Meursault even after he refuses her marriage proposals, refuses to say he loves her and leaves...... middle of paper ...... the omens are represented as superficial, naive and unintelligent. Additionally, their inability to see their sexual objectification adds to this representation. This is done deliberately to show that very few people in society can realize the irrationality of the universe. Few can truly be strangers. Works Cited Camus, Albert. The stranger. London: Penguin Books, 1983. 18. Print.Camus, Albert. The stranger. London: Penguin Books, 1983. 35. Print. Camus, Albert. The stranger. London: Penguin Books, 1983. 44. Print.Camus, Albert. The stranger. London: Penguin Books, 1983. 45. Print.Camus, Albert. The stranger. London: Penguin Books, 1983. 74. Print.Camus, Albert. The stranger. London: Penguin Books, 1983. 86. Print.Camus, Albert. The stranger. London: Penguin Books, 1983. 116. Print.Camus, Albert. The stranger. London: Penguin Books, 1983. 117. Print.