The young office worker Meursault begins his own story with the words: “Today mother died.” –And on it heels comes shocking indifference, “Or maybe, yesterday; I can’t be sure.”  

Nothing in his life has any real meaning. His mother’s death does not move him. He meets a girl, whom he loves, but even that does not quite touch him. He is bright and fulfils his duties but has no life ambitions. No one and nothing bears any meaning in his life.

He fights with his neighbour, an Arabian prostitute’s pimp. Virtually by accident, he happens to shoot the prostitute’s brother and gets the death penalty. In the court case, his incredible indifference is used against him.  

In Camus’ philosophy, existence is entirely meaningless. The story revolves around the absurdity and loneliness of an individual who is not able to make close ties with other people or find meaning in existence.