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I think Camus admires the way Meursault lived and he would want people to follow, just like people follow Christ. Camus probably also thinks that you should just live life, and not worry about the "good" and "bad".
Wow, this one's a hard one... I think it means that for those who do believe in a higher power, that a person like Meursault is the only thing that they deserve because of all the sins and whatnot.... I might be wrong though... hmmmmm.....
It is hard to understand what he means, but I'll try. I think that what Camus meant was that people who believe in a higher power only deserve a sinful person like Meursault and not someone as good as God.
I think that he mean that meursault is an example of what we should follow. I clarely disagree with him why would we want to live life feel like there is no point for us being there. doesnt make much sense to me
"...the only christ we deserve." well if I had to analyze this I would have to say that what Camus is trying to convey with this message, is that we should never look forward to going somewhere better in our life, or search for the right answer to anything because it is staring us in the face,it's those people who we misjudge and try to persuey into what we call a correct norm, those are the ones opposing our beliefs and because of that, we should not look forward to anything better than what we have because if we can't handle the truth, the truth doesn't want us, or in this case "CHRIST" doesn't want us.
Camus seems to admire Mauersault's individuality though it is a strong attitude that make a lot of people view him as inhumane. Camus seems to think that others look up to Mauersault because of his nature to not care about anybody. It's like if he were portraying Mauersault as the total opposite of Christ...
i think that camus is ridiculing society with this statement. i mean we've already discussed how camus doesnt approve of the society he's created and that its the society's fault meursault is the way he is. it just seems to fit that with this phrase hes condemning us and saying "we're not good enough for someone like Christ"
Saliva07 had a good response. On the other hand, I also think that Camus thought that if society was so terrible to it's members that they didn't deserve to have a holy figure such as Christ. Only Meursault.
I like what Turtle and what olem_rac said. I think that is the case as well. The way Camus makes this statement seem is as though we dont deserve Christ or Christ doesnt really want us. Camus' condemns the judgemental society, and it is in this society that we deserve not the good savior that Christ was but the existentialist Meursault.
I think what Camus is trying to say is that, Mersault is the only one that doesn't conform to society, and that kinda makes Mersault look like Christ because he has his own judgements, while everyone goes along with what the society does XD.
i like TOTALLY DISSAGREE with simon. Society caused him to be detached and unemotional.. it wasn't his choice to go and say "oh look, im not a comformist.." NO!!!!! society's hypocrisy is what made him detach and remove himself from the society.. HE'S NOT A CHRIST!.
ok simon..how does, and i quote "He was honest throughout this book, and he could have lied at the end to save his live but he didn't." make him christ?? Even though i don't believe in christ or anything I do know the "story," and in the story i read there was no mention of how Jesus was going to lie in order to save his life.....THAT'S ALL I HAVE TO SAY
I think what Camus meant was that Meursalt was such an individual that he was up there with Jesus, Moses, Buddha, etc. except Meursalt didn't have any voices in his head or any burning bushes telling him what to do or warning him of what was to come. Meursalt didn't have any superpowers either. -Reubennn
Well maybe this was just how I interpreted that statement, but what I got from it was society crucified Mersault because he was different just as society crucified Christ who was (unknown to humanity) our savior. Camus suggests that humanity doesn’t deserve such a unique individual and society can't accept such an individual who thinks "out-of-the-box".
Saliva07 I dont think Camus really "admires" Meursault I think Camus is just suggesting that he is just a misunderstood individual. I dont get a sense of admiration from Camus toward Mersault.
In this society full of liars and hypocrites, where wars or "police actions" are supposely done for noble reasons only to be shadowed by doubt, where sons and daughters are sent out the door at the ripe age of eighteen with nothing but expected to accomplish everything, where men both succeed and fail, where promises are made but rarely ever kept, where headlines are full of scandals and corruption, where sons and daughters are sent to fight one another, where man's ulimate enemy is himself. Yet we expect a being to save or be the savior to our race. Meursault the existentialist is the only "Christ" we deserve.
I don't think that Camus is trying to say that we are not good enough for Christ. I think that what he is trying to say is that we don't need to believe in something that is in some way controlling our lives. We should be able to believe in whatever we want without being judged.
its hard to believe that camus is praising meursault with this statement. i think if camus was admiring meursault the line would read sumthin like "we deserve a christ like meursault" but thats not how it reads.
its the snytax. XD
i agree with #1mrsbloom. i deeefinately do not get a sense of admiration. also im with allen. simon ur crazy :D
ps. i always get the feeling im not really saying what i want to say. or that im not makin as much sense as i should be. so lets hit sum of the kep points
i think: -camus is ridiculing society -camus is saying we dont deserve a savior like chirst -the syntax plays a major role in detering the notion that camus is praising or admiring meursault
hm i think those are really the only main points. well...i guess thats all for now
Camus visited me before, he told me that Mersault was the only christ that we need. In shock, I was bewildered. I didn't know whether to continue with the tour or excommunicate the guy, but I let him explain. And now I am here to tell you that, mersault is in fact the only Christ we deserve. For the reason being. In our society, we are much to this and much to that, there is no freedom for expression. I can't give a kid chocolate without someone wondering why. Can't i just be? can't we all just be. apparently not. yes, there are certain individuals who are themselves, however they are limited, by law that is. Thats why that ones who do be themselves, meaning they live a law free life, are persecuted for their actions. our society doesn't follow what jesus would have liked. Thats why jesus is to grand for us, he knows that the freedom to be who we are is the soul reason in being alive. Which is why we have mersault is the only christ we deserve, because at least he tried to be different. though in the trying he killed a man, the society around him wasnt helping, which is why he could be a Christ.
basically, given our societal views, a character like mersault cant survive because he cant be himself, but at least he tries to be...
Mersault is interpreted as this emotionless being who' s disgusted with society and it's constant judgement. Camus makes this comment, basically saying that because our society is so negative, maybe we should have someone like Mersault decide our fate. Ex. Just as he did the Arab in "The Stranger". In my opinion Camus just wanted everyone to realize how negative we can be and how it affects others.
I adore the way willyfnwonka put it. We are very much so restricted in our freedom of expression, and there is always someone who questions or discusses your actions. Its annoying to be around, but to be honest, we all do it. We are so critical and analytical of everything around us, but maybe it's because we interpret things just as Hamlet does;considering the reason is was deemed crazy. In reality he was not mad, he was just aware of the depressing truth surrounding him, and maybe because we can't trust everyone around us, we critique and analyze everything around us. I am not agreeing that it's right to judge, but I definitely don't agree with Camus.
I've learned recently that as much as I want to be able to lean on the people around me for support, as much as I want to trust that they'll be there for me when they say they will, as much as I believe that they have all the answers... I'm wrong in doing so. When I say recently, I mean last night, during worship, during this song in fact, it was then that I realized this -- The Lord is the only One I can rely on to be by my side. He is the only One who sees my heart at all times. He is the only One who knows my struggles inside-out. He's the only One who knows me inside-out. How wonderful is it that we have a God who answers prayers! He called across the mountains and the seas last night to fill my spirit with peace
If Jesus Christ came back and walked among us, what would it take for you to believe it was Him? But in my heart and soul, I would have know that our Jesus Christ came back for us.
I think personally that Camus did not like the way Meursault lived because he was a isolation to society, But if you really think about it isn’t Christ a isolation because we never seen him before, we only hear about Christ and what he has done, Christ also isolations himself but that depends on your beliefs. Meursault should not be compared to Christ because of the fact he is a stranger to society. If we are not good enough for Meursault then we might as well be a stranger to our selves.
I disagree with cris because during the whole story Camus never portrayed a positive word or statement about Meursault. Yes, he was different but that was the problem and that is why he was isolated for society and misunderstood. Niasha
If there was a person walking around saying he was the son of god who would believe him? If there was a girl who claims she has never had sex before and she is now carrying the son of god, who would believe her?We need to rethink some stuff. -rUBEN (second comment)
Well, when i first read this quote i was filled with confussion. And till today i am still confussed. in my opinion i think that Camu compares Mersault with Christ to see that as Christ died due to how he keep standing up for his believes so did Mersault. therefore, that is how society should be you know stand up for what you believe no matter how others judge you. that is why we were born different, otherwise we would have been born the same wih the same ideas, race, religion {if at all}.
ok, who is Olem_Rac????... whoever it is hello :D.. and yes i agree with myself. But anywho, i still think my 1st explanation was the best. I mean c'mon "Meursault is the only christ we deseve" MEANING that because of all the sins that everyone does and stuff, that the only true person that people deserve (if you believe) is Meursault (the person who doesnt care nor judge anyone)
Yes Allen I think you're right. I really like the way WillyFNWonka put it as well. I do think that what Camus meant was that Jesus is too grand for us and that our society is not what jesus would want to see.
hmmm...yummy argument allen, but I dont think it comes to a matter of sinning and whatnot.
We have to look at Camus tone in the story, he doesnt come off as hating mersault, personally, I think he admires the way that mersault tries to be himself in a society that doesnt allow us to be. Mersault doesnt come off as a badd guy either, sure he killed a guy, but in context, it isnt that bad, I definitely dont hate the guy, and i feel camus feels the same way. Which is why mersault is the only christ we deserve; whereas jesus sacrificed his life for all of us (if you believe that) mersault sacrificed himself for being himself. if that makes any sense. basically, my argument is that jesus is to great of a man to be christ, in our society, a man like jesus isn't admired, no one is like jesus, everyone is selfish, according to camus. Mersault, is the slight opposite, he's more submissive, more easy going, yet he still does what he wants. so yea now all my thoughts are scattered everywhere, I always get lost with in them...oompa loompa.....
I think the quote reveals that because society is so judgmental, we deserve an emotionless guy like Meursault to show us there is no point of judging.
I also believe in Josh's comment, "oompa loompa" and "We have to look at Camus tone in the story, he doesnt come off as hating mersault, personally, I think he admires the way that mersault tries to be himself in a society that doesnt allow us to be." Personally, why would Camus even compare Meursault to someone so pure...Christ. Camus loves Meursault, lol.
I believe that Camus was referring to the way that Christ's death was a sacrifice for our sins, and Meursault's death was a sacrifice for individuality. The reference could also be made since they both died for their beliefs...Christ was condemned to death at the time due to the way the society didnt believe that he was the son of god and Meursault was condemned to death due the his indifference towards death, how he accepted its inevitability.
You guys know that Anahi is always confused and with this quote even worse. I agree with Regina. What Camus is trying to say is that we deserve to be however we want to be without been judge, either way we are going to die. But in the other hand, I think Camus is trying to say that society only deserves to have people that do not care about them like Meursault because society only leads humanity to their deaths.
I also agree with saliva07. She makes a good point about us not deserving Christ. He saved us but we take everything for granted. Like I said before, we deserve to be in this society full of sins and judgments.
~Anahi
P.S. I dont' know if it made sense but oh well, I try.
I think it's great that you're focusing on Camus' tone towards Meursault, as well as the clear negative implication in the syntax of the words, "...is the only Christ we deserve."
I like also that someone is named saliva. That seems very important.
I TOTALLY agree with Lleanos... I can see how Lleanos has connected christ's'" death to "Meursault's" death.. wow, i never thought of it that way.. Thanks Lleanos for bringing this to my head. :D
Camus portrays Meursault as a indifferent and truthful guy. Camus wants us to understand that Christ should be someone that is unbiased just like Meursault. Meursault's indifference makes him stand out and be noticeable just like Christ is. I guess this would make the rest of us phony, so we don't deserve to be Christ but only Meursault.
I agree with saliva07 that Camus suggest we should live our life and let things happen on its own. If death is around the corner then so be it. Trying to change your destiny would just make things worst or even happen in a more unpleasant way.
The phrase "the only Christ we deserve" I think Camus created this comparison to Christ to show how Christ died for our sins setting the example we should live a life being grateful for what we have. Camus like Christ died in my opinion setting the example that we should not comform to societal demands and value our freedom. Camus portrayed Mersault as an individual who fought to be himself, we as individuals therefore must fight to escape and be free.
I think that what Camus was trying to tell us is similar to what Allen said. I think that Camus is trying to say that because of all the sins we do in this world, we dont deserve jesus. We deserve a person like Meursault...someone who doesn't care and whatnot...
I really don't agree with you simon. You're bringing stuff that really doesn't come into play with this statement that Camus said... Everyone is having good arguments.. Allen... I didn't think about it until you mentioned it.
I also agree with LLeanos, Meursault is very much like Christ but he is the only Christ we deserve because he has opened our eyes (the readers) to not judge someone because of their beleifs. We can follow Merusault's example of standing and defending our own beleifs despite what society thinks of them. Every single person, whether religious or non religious can admire Meursualt's struggle for individuality. -Marisol Becerra
P.S. I removed my previous comments because I forgot to put my name at the end. Sorry
I don't agree with the whole idea that we don't deserve Jesus. I think what Camus meant was that we need a Christ who doesn't control our feelings and the only "Christ" like that is Meursault. We should be able to believe whatever we want without being judged by society.
well what i do get is that hes comparing meursault to christ because christ was judge by society as well as meursault.they both ended being punished for being an outkast.I think he is trying to say that hes is the only one who dares not to follow society and be judge and because of how much can a society affect a human being, we deserve a christ like meursault.
WELL, I THINK THAT CAMUS IS TALKING ABOUT HOW WE DONT DESERVE A SAVIOR, OR AT LEAST A SAVIOR BETTER THAN MEURSAULT. MEURSAULT IS A VERY APATHETIC PERSON. HE BASICALLY ISNT OF ANY HELP TO ANYBODY. MEURSAULTS BEING SARCASTIC AT THE END WHEN HE SAYS HE WANTS AN ANGRY MOB. HES MAKING FUN OF HOW SOCIETY DOES NOT ACCEPT CHANGE. CAMUS IS EXPOSING HOW WE BLINDLY FOLLOW PEOPLE OR IDEAS BECAUSE WE ARE SO PASSIONATE ABOUT OUR VIEWS AND BECAUSE WE ARE SO DESEPERATELY IN SEARCH FOR ANSWERS. ANSWERS TO: WHAT HAPPENS TO US AFTER DEATH? AND WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF LIFE? MEURSAULT IS THE ONLY CHRIST WE DESERVE BECAUSE WE DONT LISTEN TO EACH OTHER. WE ARDENTLY DEFEND OUR VIEWS AND IGNORE THE VIEWS OF OTHERS. SO UNLESS WE LISTEN TO EACH OTHER AND ACCEPT DIVERSITY, WERE ALL GOING TO HELL. NOT REALLY, BUT WE SHOULD LISTEN TO EACH OTHER. FOREVER STRONGER THAN ALL, CFH.
I really Don't see a comparison between Mersault and Christ at all. I mean yeah they sacrificed themselves for some cause, well at least christ did. I don't even think Mersault sacrificed himself, wait a minute neither did christ, they were both forced to their death by the idiotic monkey-society around them. So yeah, they it wasn't really a sacrifice, in my chocolaty eyes that is. Point is, our society sucks, I'm not saying you suck or I suck or we suck, but the society in general, Sucks. Christ looks down upon our society, in both senses of the phrase. Mersault would be like an unseen diamond in our society; so unique, yet, his uniqueness is unseen. Its discouraged as a matter of fact. Now that i think about it, i think camus is simply having fun with his characters. He is just saying that yea christ is christ, no one can top him/her, but we can't just be so narrowed to the fact that we can't have faith in anything else. Once again, I think camus is just having fun. But then again, I'm getting lost again...
i dont agree with olem_rac i dont believe he is trying to say we are not good enough for someone like christ.i most agre with WillyFNWonka, it must be true because she talked to camus and it makes sense.
I LIKE HOW REGINA123 SAID THAT WE NEED A CHRIST WHO DOESNT CONTROL OUR FEELINGS. I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THAT THOUGH. SOCIETY IN THE STORY IS VIEWED AS IGNORANT. MEURSAULT IS VIEWED AS, I CANT FIND THE WORD, BUT ITS AS SOMETHING GOOD. MEURSAULT CANT GIVE US ANY HELP AND I THINK THAT IS WHAT CAMUS IS SAYING. WE BASICALLY DONT HAVE A SAVIOR AND UNTIL WE LISTEN TO EACH OTHER AND LEARN TO RECOGNIZE EACH OTHERS OPINION, WE WONT BE ABLE TO WORTHY OF GOD. FOREVER STRONGER THAN ALL, CFH.
SOMETHING I NOTICED THOUGH IS THAT RELIGION IS PORTRAYED AS SOMETHING EVIL IN THE STORY. MY PROOF IS THE MAGISTRATE BEING A BULLY AND THE OTHER GUY NOT LISTENING TO MEURSAULT WHEN HE SAYS THAT HE DOESNT WANT HIS HELP. I THINK CAMUS DIDNT BELIEVE IN GOD AND I DONT SEE HOW ALL THESE STATEMENTS ABOUT HOW GOD IS SO GREAT CORRESPOND TO CAMUS' BELIEFS. WHEN I THINK ABOUT THIS, I REALLY AM AT A LOST FOR WORDS. I HAVE NOW IDEA WHAT THE STATEMENT IS TRYING TO SAY. FOREVER STRONGER THAN ALL, CFH.
I think Camus states that Meursault is the only true type of Christ figure which we should have. I agree with what saliva07 said. Camus admires Meursault the way he lived and he want people to follow like people follow Christ. Also both Meursault and Christ have something in common. The both were silent when they were going to execute. They chose to be silence because they have nothing to say. Chirst's death alleviates the sin of the entire population of the earth. On the other hand, Meursault's death is a privilege of afterlife. Kevin Rong
I DID SOME RESEARCH AND IT TURNS OUT HE WASNT AN EXISTENTIALIST. HE WAS MORE OF AN ABSURDIST. IF I UNDERSTOOD CORRECTLY, HE WRITES ABOUT HOW SOCIETY ALWAYS TRIES TO PIN AN EXPLANATION TO EVERYTHING. THAT WOULD EXPLAIN THE NEWSPAPER CLIPPING THAT MEURSAULT FOUND. (I NEVER FOUND A CONNECTION THEMATICALLY). I THINK THE STATEMENT ABOUT MEURSAULT BEING THE ONLY CHRIST WE DESERVE IS A JOKE. I THINK HE SAID THAT TO PROVOKE US: MAKE US TRY AND EXPLAIN IT WHEN IT REALLY DOESNT MEAN ANYTHING. I MIGHT BE WRONG THOUGH. FOREVER STRONGER THAN ALL, CFH.
daniel, you said what i said so alright man, not exactly, but thats what i meant, but you did the research so now its a sure thing hahaha. but ALRIGHT MAN.
I agree with what Nancy said that Meursault is like Christ because Christ was condemned for being "different" by society. This lead to his execution, which is similar to what, happened to Meursault. The problem I have though with this interpretation is that Christ was viewed as a savior even after his death and Meursault in my mind is still considered a murder. This is even though we have done all these analysis that we feel sympathetic for him because society overall is considered judgmental. What I think Camus is trying to say is that we should live our lives to what we expect them to be and not follow the guidelines of society. The way Meursault did, but I see this to be very difficult because in the end society is closed-minded and will not accept someone who is different.
I also agree with LLeanos that Camus was referring to the way that Christ's death was a sacrifice for our sins, and Meursault's death was a sacrifice for individuality. Kevin Rong
Camus is comparing Meursault to christ because both were seen as the strange ones because they didn't follow the rest of their society. Both were not afraid to stand up and speak out for what they believed in, not caring about the consequences. I think it's said that Meursault is the christ we deserve because he would be a good example to the rest to not let yourself be influenced by the rest, don't be afraid to believe what you want. To me they are also compared because both had a good understanding of what death was, and they weren't afraid of it because they knew that it was everyone's faith.
I honestly don't see how Camus admires Meursault, but I do think that the way Camus portrays Meursault is how he himself sees society. Individuals suffer because if you don't follow the profile society sets for you you’re considered an outcast. I think this is stupid because not everyone can portray this FALSE CHARACTER that they want us to be. Then characters like Meursault are the ones who are condemned and shunned away.
I agree with what nancy says that both are being judged and harshly punished because they are outcasts for not having the same belief as the rest of society. I also agree with Danielle in that Camus says he is a good example to follow because Meursault and christ don't just stop living because they are scared, even though he might be the greastest example but Meursault has something good that we should live life to the fullest.
Camus suggests that humanity should put aside society's judgments, and do what they wanted to do; he believes that Meursault had lived a good life. Camus wants people to be able to live a good life like Meursault, so he wants people to follow what he believes the same way as people believe in Christ. *That's just my opinion.
i agree with regina that as Christ was who he wanted to be Mauersault too had the right to be whom he wanted to even if that meant he didnt fit in... Mauersault is a perfect example of an individual who really stepped out of the box to stand out. its a good comparison to Christ in the way he dies as well... Antelma
i agree with regina that as Christ was who he wanted to be Mauersault too had the right to be whom he wanted to even if that meant he didnt fit in... Mauersault is a perfect example of an individual who really stepped out of the box to stand out. its a good comparison to Christ in the way he dies as well... Antelma
O..I am kinda in agreement with regina, i think in his quote, he somewhat brings out the idea that we dont need to believe in something that controls our lives, and we should believe in what we want without being judged.i dont know if this comment contridicts with the last one i posted...but o well...i think a quote can bring out a lot of messages...not just one so...yea
I think Camus means that in our society we dont accept those who truly are themselves... we limit them. Meursault is a character who tries to break free from these restrictions but it is not a negative comparison to christ.
i don't think Camus wanted people to conform to society. I think he just wanted us to accept people for who they are. Meursault didn't care. He just wanted to live his life. Camus wanted us to follow Meursault.
I think that maybe when Camus said this about his character Mersault he meant that we need to view Mersault in a better light and see that he like Christ died for something he beleived in. Additionally i think that maybe he beleives that Meursault is somewhat of an example of someone who doesnt let others easily manipulate his mind.... Meursault never lied about anything he felt ..including his Mamans death, the killing of the Arab or Maria. So although he maybe viewed as a bastard he never once lied aout anything ..and this is a good quality.
What i think camus meant by muersault is the only christ we deserve is he can make decisions and judgements different from others that stands out like christ. Camus shows how he appreciates it by saying this comment.
I agree with the fact that Camus admires the way Meursault lived. I think Camus meant that while people followed Christ for salvation we should follow Meursault for his individuality and non-conformity in a society that wants us to be like everybody else.
I agree with what Nancy and Rocio said in the sense that both Meursault and Christ were condemned because of their differences within our society. Now the only difference is that Christ was loved by many and hated by more, Meursault was liked by some and didn't know enough people to hate him.
from this quote, i got a feeling that might think that Camus might try to say that since Meursault is so indifferent to things and situations in his life, we deserve maybe his attitude. Since, God "died for us" and what not, to some extent i think that Camus might be saying that we are ungrateful or unapreciative towards God, therefore we deserve for God to act like Meursault towards us, to appreciate him more or something.
I definately agree with Daniel. i do think that society tries to prove everything in life even when it doesnt have a meaning. Its like everything just has to have a meaning otherwise we find it stupid and pointless. It could be that this quote has absolutely no meaning and was just written by Camus to prove that we indeed DO try to prove a point to everything.
Well before I read all the posts here’s my interpretation of all this:
I belive that the statement means that Mersault was a lot better then any one of those jurors or anyone who judged him for that matter, because he understands the inevitability of death and the fact that no matter what you do dose not matter because we do not matter. Mersault was a lot better then us and all we did was judge him much like we did to Christ but unlike Christ Mersault lived in modern age France and he we actually might have know yet our own ignorance killed him because he was not up to par with our standards. We killed “Christ” because we felt that all men should cry at there mothers funeral, yet death is something that must happen there for it’s useless to cry, according to Mersault... not to mention we killed christ for his views much like Mersaults and simon i see what your saying as for you Allen society only further pushed him along a path which he had chosen all of his own, you can not defenetly say that society did not make him do so, much like you do not know if societys views pushed christ to see the world as he did. sorry for the grammer im sure you people know who i am :)
Albert Camus is suggesting that society always needs someone to put them on the right path. But society has stooped so low, that the only Christ they deserve is someone like Meursault. Camus advocates this because society only deserves what they themselves are, emotionless and lost.
With this quote, i think camus is trying to say that because of the hypocisy, irrationality, sin, and judgments within society, the world might as well not even believe in christ...just like meursault. they go against and contradict everything they believe in and begin to question or loose faith. They judge meursualt and connect him to things that he has no responsibility for...irrational...and their committing sin because the bible clearly states..thou shall not be judged...so a hopeless Meusault is all they do deserve...Meursault is the only one who sticks to his belief...you live then you die..the end.
In response to Curls, I dont think Meursault really stepped out of the box, i believe that it was because Camus portrayed meursault as an individual indifferent of society's set standards that he created such sympathy for Meursault.
i disagree with what nancy said...Meursault is not like Christ in the fact that they both were condemned for being different....Christ was condemned for saying that he was the son of god...Meursault was condemned because he didnt believe in christ and mourning death. He was also condemned because if he lived...it made their lives meaningless...everything they knew and learned, everything they interpreted from life, would mean nothing.
John I couldnt disagree with you more in that I don’t really believe that Mersault is worse then society in any way possible.. as a matter of fact he is so much above society and there hypocrisy that society goes off and kills him much like they did to Christ. Although we see Christ was good and might judge Mersault for some of his believes I do not think that Mersault and Christ are that far apart from one another in terms of opposing societies views and standing by there believes even till death.
well,idk if i can add anything that hasnt been said over and over again, so i'll just start with my opinion before i dive in into trying to read some of these 800 comments. Meursault sacrificed himself, he's a true hero, he sacrificed himself for the truth, the general public sacrificed him just like Christ, so we dont deserve to be saved aand have Christ die for our sins, but what we do deserve, since we are all vicitims, is to be saved from conformity. Saved from monotomous and controlling lifestyles society imposes upon us. I think Camus sees society especially negatively, since in the whole hunt of trying to find a deeper meaning to everything, to trying to have some moral values, we loss track of our own actions in the process of judging others. we tend to forget or submiss many of our own sins, again we deserve to realize this, which is Meursault's purpose ultimately,, but not to be saved when we ourselves are ungrateful, inconsiderate sinners, so no Christ.
so yeah, i agree with freaking willyf******wonka. camus' tone toward society...almost condensanding, we see society as the enemy and feel sympathetic towards meursault, which goes along with my theory, that meursault is the way to go. sacrificed himself, but at least did not become into what society wanted him to become, and i honestly doubt i know anyone who can do that, maybe willy wonka, who knows.
Hmm...I like the way Nobodyxlll analyzed the "deserve" word in that statement.
It's like saying We are ONLY worthy of Meursault's example.
It can be confusing because well in Meursault's existentialistic belief nothing that you do or do not do matters. Nothing has a meaning so then nothing is worht.
Someone had mentioned before that this may be a joke...I'm starting to believe that. -Marisol Becerra
Meurseult is just like Christ because both werent condemned for commiting crimes but for having their own beliefs that were not accepted by society. Society didnt learn from the harm they caused Christ and until we change that, Meurseult is the only Christ we deserve.
I think that saliva07 is right because Camus suggests that we follow Meurseult but the quote implies we are not good enough to follow christ. If we follow christ then we should follow Meurseult but in the story everyone was against him.
I agree with josh that we just cant do anything anymore without being questioned and even criticized for any little thing we do. We tend to even not want to do somethings or be hesitant about them because we are afraid of what others will say and that was something that Meursault didnt care about. He didnt accept religion because the magistrate wouldnt like it if he didnt along with others. Meursault chose individuality over any confinement that society had on him. Having said that, in response to what josh also said about not being a comparison between Christ and Meursault, think about the end how he wants a multitude of people to be gathered to scream with hate. Wasnt there a crowd of people screaming at Christ when he was being crucified. Meursault is a Christ as Camus puts it because he did somethin that no one else around did because he strongly believed in it and didnt just follow it because someone said to.
COMMEST TO BRITNNEY C. "Mersault is interpreted as this emotionless being who' s disgusted with society and it's constant judgement. Camus makes this comment, basically saying that because our society is so negative, maybe we should have someone like Mersault decide our fate."
I do agree that Camu would want us to have to look up to someone like Mersault but not necessarly to DECIDE FOR US. i think he uses him to show that we can decide and we shoul decide for ourselves instead of being influenced or acting just because society would judge us. we are free to decide and stand up for our ideas and decisions no matter if that involves giving our own life....
good point ethanio (nobodyxlll)..lol, I really hadn't thought about it that way..now that you bring it up..it does kinda make sense...in away.. .i should say xD
I'm as confused as everyone else! I don't think that Camus was complimenting us however. However, Meursault died for what he believed in no matter how bizarrre they are. His ideas were kinda modern. Doeshe think we don't deserve someone as holy as Christ?
101 comments:
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I think Camus admires the way Meursault lived and he would want people to follow, just like people follow Christ. Camus probably also thinks that you should just live life, and not worry about the "good" and "bad".
"...the only Christ we deserve."
Is he implying we're not good enough for someone like Christ?
Hmm...They both died for their causes...
I'm not sure how to interpret this though. :-/
I wouldn't consider Meursault to be Christ's opposite...meaning someone evil.
-Claudia
Wow, this one's a hard one... I think it means that for those who do believe in a higher power, that a person like Meursault is the only thing that they deserve because of all the sins and whatnot.... I might be wrong though... hmmmmm.....
-Allen :D
It is hard to understand what he means, but I'll try. I think that what Camus meant was that people who believe in a higher power only deserve a sinful person like Meursault and not someone as good as God.
-Arely
I think that he mean that meursault is an example of what we should follow. I clarely disagree with him why would we want to live life feel like there is no point for us being there. doesnt make much sense to me
"...the only christ we deserve." well if I had to analyze this I would have to say that what Camus is trying to convey with this message, is that we should never look forward to going somewhere better in our life, or search for the right answer to anything because it is staring us in the face,it's those people who we misjudge and try to persuey into what we call a correct norm, those are the ones opposing our beliefs and because of that, we should not look forward to anything better than what we have because if we can't handle the truth, the truth doesn't want us, or in this case "CHRIST" doesn't want us.
Camus seems to admire Mauersault's individuality though it is a strong attitude that make a lot of people view him as inhumane. Camus seems to think that others look up to Mauersault because of his nature to not care about anybody. It's like if he were portraying Mauersault as the total opposite of Christ...
i agree the most with claudia(firefay16)
i mean it seems to make the most sense to me.
i think that camus is ridiculing society with this statement. i mean we've already discussed how camus doesnt approve of the society he's created and that its the society's fault meursault is the way he is. it just seems to fit that with this phrase hes condemning us and saying "we're not good enough for someone like Christ"
am i makin sense?
O.o
Saliva07 had a good response. On the other hand, I also think that Camus thought that if society was so terrible to it's members that they didn't deserve to have a holy figure such as Christ. Only Meursault.
I like what Turtle and what olem_rac said. I think that is the case as well. The way Camus makes this statement seem is as though we dont deserve Christ or Christ doesnt really want us. Camus' condemns the judgemental society, and it is in this society that we deserve not the good savior that Christ was but the existentialist Meursault.
-Raquel
I think what Camus is trying to say is that, Mersault is the only one that doesn't conform to society, and that kinda makes Mersault look like Christ because he has his own judgements, while everyone goes along with what the society does XD.
-Simon
i like TOTALLY DISSAGREE with simon. Society caused him to be detached and unemotional.. it wasn't his choice to go and say "oh look, im not a comformist.." NO!!!!! society's hypocrisy is what made him detach and remove himself from the society.. HE'S NOT A CHRIST!.
Pisssh ALLEN, Ok Allen i c how it is, I thought you were my friend XD, I guess i have to show few examples why he might be a Christ.
He was honest throughout this book, and he could have lied at the end to save his live but he didn't.
Wasn't christ crucified by how he went by his own beliefs or principles and not by others.
That's all i got, to support what i say.
-Simon
ok simon..how does, and i quote "He was honest throughout this book, and he could have lied at the end to save his live but he didn't." make him christ?? Even though i don't believe in christ or anything I do know the "story," and in the story i read there was no mention of how Jesus was going to lie in order to save his life.....THAT'S ALL I HAVE TO SAY
-Allen
I think what Camus meant was that Meursalt was such an individual that he was up there with Jesus, Moses, Buddha, etc. except Meursalt didn't have any voices in his head or any burning bushes telling him what to do or warning him of what was to come. Meursalt didn't have any superpowers either. -Reubennn
Well maybe this was just how I interpreted that statement, but what I got from it was society crucified Mersault because he was different just as society crucified Christ who was (unknown to humanity) our savior. Camus suggests that humanity doesn’t deserve such a unique individual and society can't accept such an individual who thinks
"out-of-the-box".
Saliva07 I dont think Camus really "admires" Meursault I think Camus is just suggesting that he is just a misunderstood individual. I dont get a sense of admiration from Camus toward Mersault.
I think Camus meant..
In this society full of liars and hypocrites, where wars or "police actions" are supposely done for noble reasons only to be shadowed by doubt, where sons and daughters are sent out the door at the ripe age of eighteen with nothing but expected to accomplish everything, where men both succeed and fail, where promises are made but rarely ever kept, where headlines are full of scandals and corruption, where sons and daughters are sent to fight one another, where man's ulimate enemy is himself. Yet we expect a being to save or be the savior to our race. Meursault the existentialist is the only "Christ" we deserve.
I don't think that Camus is trying to say that we are not good enough for Christ. I think that what he is trying to say is that we don't need to believe in something that is in some way controlling our lives. We should be able to believe in whatever we want without being judged.
I agree with Regina *high five* :D
-ALlen :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D:D
its hard to believe that camus is praising meursault with this statement. i think if camus was admiring meursault the line would read sumthin like "we deserve a christ like meursault" but thats not how it reads.
its the snytax. XD
i agree with #1mrsbloom. i deeefinately do not get a sense of admiration. also im with allen. simon ur crazy :D
ps. i always get the feeling im not really saying what i want to say. or that im not makin as much sense as i should be. so lets hit sum of the kep points
i think:
-camus is ridiculing society
-camus is saying we dont deserve a savior like chirst
-the syntax plays a major role in detering the notion that camus is praising or admiring meursault
hm i think those are really the only main points. well...i guess thats all for now
bai! :D
Ah yes, the ever so clever Camus...
Camus visited me before, he told me that Mersault was the only christ that we need. In shock, I was bewildered. I didn't know whether to continue with the tour or excommunicate the guy, but I let him explain. And now I am here to tell you that, mersault is in fact the only Christ we deserve. For the reason being. In our society, we are much to this and much to that, there is no freedom for expression. I can't give a kid chocolate without someone wondering why. Can't i just be? can't we all just be. apparently not. yes, there are certain individuals who are themselves, however they are limited, by law that is. Thats why that ones who do be themselves, meaning they live a law free life, are persecuted for their actions. our society doesn't follow what jesus would have liked. Thats why jesus is to grand for us, he knows that the freedom to be who we are is the soul reason in being alive. Which is why we have mersault is the only christ we deserve, because at least he tried to be different. though in the trying he killed a man, the society around him wasnt helping, which is why he could be a Christ.
basically, given our societal views, a character like mersault cant survive because he cant be himself, but at least he tries to be...
well said
Mersault is interpreted as this emotionless being who' s disgusted with society and it's constant judgement. Camus makes this comment, basically saying that because our society is so negative, maybe we should have someone like Mersault decide our fate. Ex. Just as he did the Arab in "The Stranger". In my opinion Camus just wanted everyone to realize how negative we can be and how it affects others.
I adore the way willyfnwonka put it. We are very much so restricted in our freedom of expression, and there is always someone who questions or discusses your actions. Its annoying to be around, but to be honest, we all do it. We are so critical and analytical of everything around us, but maybe it's because we interpret things just as Hamlet does;considering the reason is was deemed crazy. In reality he was not mad, he was just aware of the depressing truth surrounding him, and maybe because we can't trust everyone around us, we critique and analyze everything around us. I am not agreeing that it's right to judge, but I definitely don't agree with Camus.
I've learned recently that as much as I want to be able to lean on the people around me for support, as much as I want to trust that they'll be there for me when they say they will, as much as I believe that they have all the answers... I'm wrong in doing so. When I say recently, I mean last night, during worship, during this song in fact, it was then that I realized this -- The Lord is the only One I can rely on to be by my side. He is the only One who sees my heart at all times. He is the only One who knows my struggles inside-out. He's the only One who knows me inside-out. How wonderful is it that we have a God who answers prayers! He called across the mountains and the seas last night to fill my spirit with peace
If Jesus Christ came back and walked among us, what would it take for you to believe it was Him? But in my heart and soul, I would have know that our Jesus Christ came back for us.
I think personally that Camus did not like the way Meursault lived because he was a isolation to society, But if you really think about it isn’t Christ a isolation because we never seen him before, we only hear about Christ and what he has done, Christ also isolations himself but that depends on your beliefs. Meursault should not be compared to Christ because of the fact he is a stranger to society. If we are not good enough for Meursault then we might as well be a stranger to our selves.
Niasha Nicole Harris
I disagree with cris because during the whole story Camus never portrayed a positive word or statement about Meursault. Yes, he was different but that was the problem and that is why he was isolated for society and misunderstood.
Niasha
If there was a person walking around saying he was the son of god who would believe him? If there was a girl who claims she has never had sex before and she is now carrying the son of god, who would believe her?We need to rethink some stuff. -rUBEN (second comment)
Well, when i first read this quote i was filled with confussion. And till today i am still confussed. in my opinion i think that Camu compares Mersault with Christ to see that as Christ died due to how he keep standing up for his believes so did Mersault. therefore, that is how society should be you know stand up for what you believe no matter how others judge you. that is why we were born different, otherwise we would have been born the same wih the same ideas, race, religion {if at all}.
ok, who is Olem_Rac????... whoever it is hello :D.. and yes i agree with myself. But anywho, i still think my 1st explanation was the best. I mean c'mon "Meursault is the only christ we deseve" MEANING that because of all the sins that everyone does and stuff, that the only true person that people deserve (if you believe) is Meursault (the person who doesnt care nor judge anyone)
yes or no? ..
-Allen :D
Thank You Raquel for agreeing with me.. and by the looks of it, I have the most ppl that agree with me :D. so im gonna declare my theory the winner :D
Yes Allen I think you're right. I really like the way WillyFNWonka put it as well. I do think that what Camus meant was that Jesus is too grand for us and that our society is not what jesus would want to see.
-Raquel
Allen is Mr. Smarty-pants. You have a very good argument buddy.
-Carolyn
hmmm...yummy argument allen, but I dont think it comes to a matter of sinning and whatnot.
We have to look at Camus tone in the story, he doesnt come off as hating mersault, personally, I think he admires the way that mersault tries to be himself in a society that doesnt allow us to be. Mersault doesnt come off as a badd guy either, sure he killed a guy, but in context, it isnt that bad, I definitely dont hate the guy, and i feel camus feels the same way. Which is why mersault is the only christ we deserve; whereas jesus sacrificed his life for all of us (if you believe that) mersault sacrificed himself for being himself. if that makes any sense. basically, my argument is that jesus is to great of a man to be christ, in our society, a man like jesus isn't admired, no one is like jesus, everyone is selfish, according to camus. Mersault, is the slight opposite, he's more submissive, more easy going, yet he still does what he wants. so yea now all my thoughts are scattered everywhere, I always get lost with in them...oompa loompa.....
oh yea Ms. Levine I'm Josh....
I think the quote reveals that because society is so judgmental, we deserve an emotionless guy like Meursault to show us there is no point of judging.
I also believe in Josh's comment, "oompa loompa" and "We have to look at Camus tone in the story, he doesnt come off as hating mersault, personally, I think he admires the way that mersault tries to be himself in a society that doesnt allow us to be." Personally, why would Camus even compare Meursault to someone so pure...Christ. Camus loves Meursault, lol.
~Jennifer Lopez~
I believe that Camus was referring to the way that Christ's death was a sacrifice for our sins, and Meursault's death was a sacrifice for individuality. The reference could also be made since they both died for their beliefs...Christ was condemned to death at the time due to the way the society didnt believe that he was the son of god and Meursault was condemned to death due the his indifference towards death, how he accepted its inevitability.
You guys know that Anahi is always confused and with this quote even worse. I agree with Regina. What Camus is trying to say is that we deserve to be however we want to be without been judge, either way we are going to die. But in the other hand, I think Camus is trying to say that society only deserves to have people that do not care about them like Meursault because society only leads humanity to their deaths.
I also agree with saliva07. She makes a good point about us not deserving Christ. He saved us but we take everything for granted. Like I said before, we deserve to be in this society full of sins and judgments.
~Anahi
P.S. I dont' know if it made sense but oh well, I try.
I think it's great that you're focusing on Camus' tone towards Meursault, as well as the clear negative implication in the syntax of the words, "...is the only Christ we deserve."
I like also that someone is named saliva. That seems very important.
Keep going.
I TOTALLY agree with Lleanos... I can see how Lleanos has connected christ's'" death to "Meursault's" death.. wow, i never thought of it that way.. Thanks Lleanos for bringing this to my head. :D
-Allen :D :D :D :D :D
Camus portrays Meursault as a indifferent and truthful guy. Camus wants us to understand that Christ should be someone that is unbiased just like Meursault. Meursault's indifference makes him stand out and be noticeable just like Christ is. I guess this would make the rest of us phony, so we don't deserve to be Christ but only Meursault.
I agree with saliva07 that Camus suggest we should live our life and let things happen on its own. If death is around the corner then so be it. Trying to change your destiny would just make things worst or even happen in a more unpleasant way.
The phrase "the only Christ we deserve" I think Camus created this comparison to Christ to show how Christ died for our sins setting the example we should live a life being grateful for what we have. Camus like Christ died in my opinion setting the example that we should not comform to societal demands and value our freedom. Camus portrayed Mersault as an individual who fought to be himself, we as individuals therefore must fight to escape and be free.
I think that what Camus was trying to tell us is similar to what Allen said. I think that Camus is trying to say that because of all the sins we do in this world, we dont deserve jesus. We deserve a person like Meursault...someone who doesn't care and whatnot...
-Jairo V.
I really don't agree with you simon. You're bringing stuff that really doesn't come into play with this statement that Camus said... Everyone is having good arguments.. Allen... I didn't think about it until you mentioned it.
-Jairo V.
I also agree with LLeanos, Meursault is very much like Christ but he is the only Christ we deserve because he has opened our eyes (the readers) to not judge someone because of their beleifs. We can follow Merusault's example of standing and defending our own beleifs despite what society thinks of them. Every single person, whether religious or non religious can admire Meursualt's struggle for individuality.
-Marisol Becerra
P.S. I removed my previous comments because I forgot to put my name at the end. Sorry
I don't agree with the whole idea that we don't deserve Jesus. I think what Camus meant was that we need a Christ who doesn't control our feelings and the only "Christ" like that is Meursault. We should be able to believe whatever we want without being judged by society.
well what i do get is that hes comparing meursault to christ because christ was judge by society as well as meursault.they both ended being punished for being an outkast.I think he is trying to say that hes is the only one who dares not to follow society and be judge and because of how much can a society affect a human being, we deserve a christ like meursault.
WELL, I THINK THAT CAMUS IS TALKING ABOUT HOW WE DONT DESERVE A SAVIOR, OR AT LEAST A SAVIOR BETTER THAN MEURSAULT. MEURSAULT IS A VERY APATHETIC PERSON. HE BASICALLY ISNT OF ANY HELP TO ANYBODY. MEURSAULTS BEING SARCASTIC AT THE END WHEN HE SAYS HE WANTS AN ANGRY MOB. HES MAKING FUN OF HOW SOCIETY DOES NOT ACCEPT CHANGE. CAMUS IS EXPOSING HOW WE BLINDLY FOLLOW PEOPLE OR IDEAS BECAUSE WE ARE SO PASSIONATE ABOUT OUR VIEWS AND BECAUSE WE ARE SO DESEPERATELY IN SEARCH FOR ANSWERS. ANSWERS TO: WHAT HAPPENS TO US AFTER DEATH? AND WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF LIFE? MEURSAULT IS THE ONLY CHRIST WE DESERVE BECAUSE WE DONT LISTEN TO EACH OTHER. WE ARDENTLY DEFEND OUR VIEWS AND IGNORE THE VIEWS OF OTHERS. SO UNLESS WE LISTEN TO EACH OTHER AND ACCEPT DIVERSITY, WERE ALL GOING TO HELL. NOT REALLY, BUT WE SHOULD LISTEN TO EACH OTHER. FOREVER STRONGER THAN ALL, CFH.
SDMF - CHICAGO CHAPTER
I really Don't see a comparison between Mersault and Christ at all. I mean yeah they sacrificed themselves for some cause, well at least christ did. I don't even think Mersault sacrificed himself, wait a minute neither did christ, they were both forced to their death by the idiotic monkey-society around them. So yeah, they it wasn't really a sacrifice, in my chocolaty eyes that is. Point is, our society sucks, I'm not saying you suck or I suck or we suck, but the society in general, Sucks. Christ looks down upon our society, in both senses of the phrase. Mersault would be like an unseen diamond in our society; so unique, yet, his uniqueness is unseen. Its discouraged as a matter of fact. Now that i think about it, i think camus is simply having fun with his characters. He is just saying that yea christ is christ, no one can top him/her, but we can't just be so narrowed to the fact that we can't have faith in anything else. Once again, I think camus is just having fun. But then again, I'm getting lost again...
i dont agree with olem_rac
i dont believe he is trying to say we are not good enough for someone like christ.i most agre with WillyFNWonka, it must be true because she talked to camus and it makes sense.
I LIKE HOW REGINA123 SAID THAT WE NEED A CHRIST WHO DOESNT CONTROL OUR FEELINGS. I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THAT THOUGH. SOCIETY IN THE STORY IS VIEWED AS IGNORANT. MEURSAULT IS VIEWED AS, I CANT FIND THE WORD, BUT ITS AS SOMETHING GOOD. MEURSAULT CANT GIVE US ANY HELP AND I THINK THAT IS WHAT CAMUS IS SAYING. WE BASICALLY DONT HAVE A SAVIOR AND UNTIL WE LISTEN TO EACH OTHER AND LEARN TO RECOGNIZE EACH OTHERS OPINION, WE WONT BE ABLE TO WORTHY OF GOD. FOREVER STRONGER THAN ALL, CFH.
SDMF - CHICAGO CHAPTER
SOMETHING I NOTICED THOUGH IS THAT RELIGION IS PORTRAYED AS SOMETHING EVIL IN THE STORY. MY PROOF IS THE MAGISTRATE BEING A BULLY AND THE OTHER GUY NOT LISTENING TO MEURSAULT WHEN HE SAYS THAT HE DOESNT WANT HIS HELP. I THINK CAMUS DIDNT BELIEVE IN GOD AND I DONT SEE HOW ALL THESE STATEMENTS ABOUT HOW GOD IS SO GREAT CORRESPOND TO CAMUS' BELIEFS. WHEN I THINK ABOUT THIS, I REALLY AM AT A LOST FOR WORDS. I HAVE NOW IDEA WHAT THE STATEMENT IS TRYING TO SAY. FOREVER STRONGER THAN ALL, CFH.
SDMF - CHICAGO CHAPTER
I think Camus states that Meursault is the only true type of Christ figure which we should have. I agree with what saliva07 said. Camus admires Meursault the way he lived and he want people to follow like people follow Christ. Also both Meursault and Christ have something in common. The both were silent when they were going to execute. They chose to be silence because they have nothing to say. Chirst's death alleviates the sin of the entire population of the earth. On the other hand, Meursault's death is a privilege of afterlife.
Kevin Rong
I DID SOME RESEARCH AND IT TURNS OUT HE WASNT AN EXISTENTIALIST. HE WAS MORE OF AN ABSURDIST. IF I UNDERSTOOD CORRECTLY, HE WRITES ABOUT HOW SOCIETY ALWAYS TRIES TO PIN AN EXPLANATION TO EVERYTHING. THAT WOULD EXPLAIN THE NEWSPAPER CLIPPING THAT MEURSAULT FOUND. (I NEVER FOUND A CONNECTION THEMATICALLY). I THINK THE STATEMENT ABOUT MEURSAULT BEING THE ONLY CHRIST WE DESERVE IS A JOKE. I THINK HE SAID THAT TO PROVOKE US: MAKE US TRY AND EXPLAIN IT WHEN IT REALLY DOESNT MEAN ANYTHING. I MIGHT BE WRONG THOUGH. FOREVER STRONGER THAN ALL, CFH.
SDMF - CHICAGO CHAPTER
daniel, you said what i said so alright man, not exactly, but thats what i meant, but you did the research so now its a sure thing hahaha. but ALRIGHT MAN.
I agree with what Nancy said that Meursault is like Christ because Christ was condemned for being "different" by society. This lead to his execution, which is similar to what, happened to Meursault. The problem I have though with this interpretation is that Christ was viewed as a savior even after his death and Meursault in my mind is still considered a murder. This is even though we have done all these analysis that we feel sympathetic for him because society overall is considered judgmental. What I think Camus is trying to say is that we should live our lives to what we expect them to be and not follow the guidelines of society. The way Meursault did, but I see this to be very difficult because in the end society is closed-minded and will not accept someone who is different.
I also agree with LLeanos that Camus was referring to the way that Christ's death was a sacrifice for our sins, and Meursault's death was a sacrifice for individuality.
Kevin Rong
Camus is comparing Meursault to christ because both were seen as the strange ones because they didn't follow the rest of their society. Both were not afraid to stand up and speak out for what they believed in, not caring about the consequences. I think it's said that Meursault is the christ we deserve because he would be a good example to the rest to not let yourself be influenced by the rest, don't be afraid to believe what you want. To me they are also compared because both had a good understanding of what death was, and they weren't afraid of it because they knew that it was everyone's faith.
I honestly don't see how Camus admires Meursault, but I do think that the way Camus portrays Meursault is how he himself sees society. Individuals suffer because if you don't follow the profile society sets for you you’re considered an outcast. I think this is stupid because not everyone can portray this FALSE CHARACTER that they want us to be. Then characters like Meursault are the ones who are condemned and shunned away.
I agree with what nancy says that both are being judged and harshly punished because they are outcasts for not having the same belief as the rest of society. I also agree with Danielle in that Camus says he is a good example to follow because Meursault and christ don't just stop living because they are scared, even though he might be the greastest example but Meursault has something good that we should live life to the fullest.
Camus suggests that humanity should put aside society's judgments, and do what they wanted to do; he believes that Meursault had lived a good life. Camus wants people to be able to live a good life like Meursault, so he wants people to follow what he believes the same way as people believe in Christ. *That's just my opinion.
-Brian-
i agree with regina that as Christ was who he wanted to be Mauersault too had the right to be whom he wanted to even if that meant he didnt fit in... Mauersault is a perfect example of an individual who really stepped out of the box to stand out. its a good comparison to Christ in the way he dies as well...
Antelma
i agree with regina that as Christ was who he wanted to be Mauersault too had the right to be whom he wanted to even if that meant he didnt fit in... Mauersault is a perfect example of an individual who really stepped out of the box to stand out. its a good comparison to Christ in the way he dies as well...
Antelma
O..I am kinda in agreement with regina, i think in his quote, he somewhat brings out the idea that we dont need to believe in something that controls our lives, and we should believe in what we want without being judged.i dont know if this comment contridicts with the last one i posted...but o well...i think a quote can bring out a lot of messages...not just one so...yea
-brian-
I think Camus means that in our society we dont accept those who truly are themselves... we limit them. Meursault is a character who tries to break free from these restrictions but it is not a negative comparison to christ.
Oh daniel makes a good point. Camus could've just been trying to mess with outr heads by leading us to do what is expected of society.
i don't think Camus wanted people to conform to society. I think he just wanted us to accept people for who they are. Meursault didn't care. He just wanted to live his life. Camus wanted us to follow Meursault.
I think that maybe when Camus said this about his character Mersault he meant that we need to view Mersault in a better light and see that he like Christ died for something he beleived in. Additionally i think that maybe he beleives that Meursault is somewhat of an example of someone who doesnt let others easily manipulate his mind.... Meursault never lied about anything he felt ..including his Mamans death, the killing of the Arab or Maria. So although he maybe viewed as a bastard he never once lied aout anything ..and this is a good quality.
What i think camus meant by muersault is the only christ we deserve is he can make decisions and judgements different from others that stands out like christ. Camus shows how he appreciates it by saying this comment.
I agree with the fact that Camus admires the way Meursault lived. I think Camus meant that while people followed Christ for salvation we should follow Meursault for his individuality and non-conformity in a society that wants us to be like everybody else.
I agree with what Nancy and Rocio said in the sense that both Meursault and Christ were condemned because of their differences within our society. Now the only difference is that Christ was loved by many and hated by more, Meursault was liked by some and didn't know enough people to hate him.
from this quote, i got a feeling that might think that Camus might try to say that since Meursault is so indifferent to things and situations in his life, we deserve maybe his attitude. Since, God "died for us" and what not, to some extent i think that Camus might be saying that we are ungrateful or unapreciative towards God, therefore we deserve for God to act like Meursault towards us, to appreciate him more or something.
I definately agree with Daniel. i do think that society tries to prove everything in life even when it doesnt have a meaning. Its like everything just has to have a meaning otherwise we find it stupid and pointless. It could be that this quote has absolutely no meaning and was just written by Camus to prove that we indeed DO try to prove a point to everything.
Well before I read all the posts here’s my interpretation of all this:
I belive that the statement means that Mersault was a lot better then any one of those jurors or anyone who judged him for that matter, because he understands the inevitability of death and the fact that no matter what you do dose not matter because we do not matter. Mersault was a lot better then us and all we did was judge him much like we did to Christ but unlike Christ Mersault lived in modern age France and he we actually might have know yet our own ignorance killed him because he was not up to par with our standards. We killed “Christ” because we felt that all men should cry at there mothers funeral, yet death is something that must happen there for it’s useless to cry, according to Mersault... not to mention we killed christ for his views much like Mersaults and simon i see what your saying as for you Allen society only further pushed him along a path which he had chosen all of his own, you can not defenetly say that society did not make him do so, much like you do not know if societys views pushed christ to see the world as he did. sorry for the grammer im sure you people know who i am :)
Albert Camus is suggesting that society always needs someone to put them on the right path. But society has stooped so low, that the only Christ they deserve is someone like Meursault. Camus advocates this because society only deserves what they themselves are, emotionless and lost.
With this quote, i think camus is trying to say that because of the hypocisy, irrationality, sin, and judgments within society, the world might as well not even believe in christ...just like meursault. they go against and contradict everything they believe in and begin to question or loose faith. They judge meursualt and connect him to things that he has no responsibility for...irrational...and their committing sin because the bible clearly states..thou shall not be judged...so a hopeless Meusault is all they do deserve...Meursault is the only one who sticks to his belief...you live then you die..the end.
In response to Curls, I dont think Meursault really stepped out of the box, i believe that it was because Camus portrayed meursault as an individual indifferent of society's set standards that he created such sympathy for Meursault.
i disagree with what nancy said...Meursault is not like Christ in the fact that they both were condemned for being different....Christ was condemned for saying that he was the son of god...Meursault was condemned because he didnt believe in christ and mourning death. He was also condemned because if he lived...it made their lives meaningless...everything they knew and learned, everything they interpreted from life, would mean nothing.
John I couldnt disagree with you more in that I don’t really believe that Mersault is worse then society in any way possible.. as a matter of fact he is so much above society and there hypocrisy that society goes off and kills him much like they did to Christ. Although we see Christ was good and might judge Mersault for some of his believes I do not think that Mersault and Christ are that far apart from one another in terms of opposing societies views and standing by there believes even till death.
well,idk if i can add anything that hasnt been said over and over again, so i'll just start with my opinion before i dive in into trying to read some of these 800 comments. Meursault sacrificed himself, he's a true hero, he sacrificed himself for the truth, the general public sacrificed him just like Christ, so we dont deserve to be saved aand have Christ die for our sins, but what we do deserve, since we are all vicitims, is to be saved from conformity. Saved from monotomous and controlling lifestyles society imposes upon us. I think Camus sees society especially negatively, since in the whole hunt of trying to find a deeper meaning to everything, to trying to have some moral values, we loss track of our own actions in the process of judging others. we tend to forget or submiss many of our own sins, again we deserve to realize this, which is Meursault's purpose ultimately,, but not to be saved when we ourselves are ungrateful, inconsiderate sinners, so no Christ.
"the only christ we deserve"
The word deserve when anyone really thinks about it is worthiness.
e.g You don't deserve this.
in context.. wouldn't you say that it has a negative tone?
"the only christ we deserve"
sounds a tad like..
you only deserve this _________
sounds like it has a little judgement doesn't it?
so yeah, i agree with freaking willyf******wonka. camus' tone toward society...almost condensanding, we see society as the enemy and feel sympathetic towards meursault, which goes along with my theory, that meursault is the way to go. sacrificed himself, but at least did not become into what society wanted him to become, and i honestly doubt i know anyone who can do that, maybe willy wonka, who knows.
Hmm...I like the way Nobodyxlll analyzed the "deserve" word in that statement.
It's like saying We are ONLY worthy of Meursault's example.
It can be confusing because well in Meursault's existentialistic belief nothing that you do or do not do matters. Nothing has a meaning so then nothing is worht.
Someone had mentioned before that this may be a joke...I'm starting to believe that.
-Marisol Becerra
Meurseult is just like Christ because both werent condemned for commiting crimes but for having their own beliefs that were not accepted by society. Society didnt learn from the harm they caused Christ and until we change that, Meurseult is the only Christ we deserve.
I think that saliva07 is right because Camus suggests that we follow Meurseult but the quote implies we are not good enough to follow christ. If we follow christ then we should follow Meurseult but in the story everyone was against him.
I agree with josh that we just cant do anything anymore without being questioned and even criticized for any little thing we do. We tend to even not want to do somethings or be hesitant about them because we are afraid of what others will say and that was something that Meursault didnt care about. He didnt accept religion because the magistrate wouldnt like it if he didnt along with others. Meursault chose individuality over any confinement that society had on him. Having said that, in response to what josh also said about not being a comparison between Christ and Meursault, think about the end how he wants a multitude of people to be gathered to scream with hate. Wasnt there a crowd of people screaming at Christ when he was being crucified. Meursault is a Christ as Camus puts it because he did somethin that no one else around did because he strongly believed in it and didnt just follow it because someone said to.
COMMEST TO BRITNNEY C.
"Mersault is interpreted as this emotionless being who' s disgusted with society and it's constant judgement. Camus makes this comment, basically saying that because our society is so negative, maybe we should have someone like Mersault decide our fate."
I do agree that Camu would want us to have to look up to someone like Mersault but not necessarly to DECIDE FOR US. i think he uses him to show that we can decide and we shoul decide for ourselves instead of being influenced or acting just because society would judge us. we are free to decide and stand up for our ideas and decisions no matter if that involves giving our own life....
good point ethanio (nobodyxlll)..lol, I really hadn't thought about it that way..now that you bring it up..it does kinda make sense...in away.. .i should say xD
-Allen :D
Yeah ethan, good point there. The quote does have a negative tone. Oh and thanx for agreeing with me, those that did.
"I like also that someone is named saliva. That seems very important."
Important you say Ms. Levine? That's interesting. Thanks for liking my name though.
I'm as confused as everyone else! I don't think that Camus was complimenting us however. However, Meursault died for what he believed in no matter how bizarrre they are. His ideas were kinda modern. Doeshe think we don't deserve someone as holy as Christ?
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