Where Words Fail, Silence Speaks; An Exploration of Narrative Techniques and Character Development in ‘The Stranger’

Abstract

Albert Camus' "The Stranger" captivates readers with its unique narrative style, in which meaningful elisions play a crucial role. The study attempts to uncover how these intentional gaps in the storytelling contribute to the overall impact of the novel. The study explores specific narrative techniques, such as the absence of particular parts of speech such as pronouns, articles, and conjunctions, examining how they influence the flow of the plot, the development of characters, and the exploration of profound themes.

Examining the deliberate omissions in the story's language sheds light on the complexity and ambiguity surrounding the main character, "Meursault." Elliptical utterances such as "Shot him... didn't matter," characterized by the absence of crucial elements like conjunctions and complete clauses, invite the reader to actively participate in reconstructing Meursault's internal state. Unraveling Meursault's ambiguity decodes various aspects of his character. Ultimately, this study argues that these silent spaces are not empty voids but rather crucial clues waiting to be deciphered. They enrich our understanding of Camus' message and the deeper meaning woven into the fabric of the novel. By carefully collecting these fragments of unspoken words, we gain valuable insights into the human condition, the themes of alienation, and the complexities of existence itself.