Existential themes connect deeply in both "The Stranger" by Albert Camus and "Nausea" by Jean-Paul Sartre. These stories explore big questions about life and what it means to be human.

Absurdity and Alienation

• In "The Stranger," the main character, Meursault, faces the strange and often silly nature of life. This is clear during his trial when people don’t understand why he seems so calm and detached. His lack of emotion makes him feel very alone, showing how the world can often seem weird and pointless.
• On the other hand, in "Nausea," Roquentin feels a strong sense of nausea when he thinks about the world around him. This feeling highlights how life can feel random and absurd. His struggle to understand himself shows how heavy the burden of being alive can be, leaving him feeling isolated in his thoughts.

Freedom and Responsibility

• Both characters deal with the idea of freedom. Meursault has the ability to make his own choices. However, this freedom makes him seem irresponsible, which society struggles to accept.
• Roquentin learns that he can create his own meaning in a world that feels empty. But this power to make choices also makes him anxious and scared. The weight of responsibility that comes with freedom is clear in both stories.

Search for Meaning

• In the end, both characters are trying to find meaning in their lives. Meursault’s acceptance of the absurdity of life feels like a type of freedom, even if it’s a troubling one. Meanwhile, Roquentin works hard to understand his place in the world but ends up feeling the emptiness that comes with it.

Overall, these themes in both stories give us a thoughtful look at absurdity, freedom, and the ongoing search for meaning, showing us the depth of existential ideas in literature.