Camus introduces the concept of absurdity – the inherent conflict between humanity's innate desire for meaning and the universe's cold indifference. Meursault embodies this idea, finding solace in the present moment and rejecting societal expectations and the search for purpose. His detached observation of life, death, and even his own emotions highlights the futility of seeking meaning in a meaningless existence.

Meursault's emotional detachment from the world around him forms a central theme. He exists on the periphery of society, unable or unwilling to connect with others on an emotional level. This alienation isolates him, making him appear indifferent to love, grief, and even his own crime. His actions, seemingly motivated by instinct rather than malice, raise questions about the nature of human connection and the consequences of emotional detachment.

Through Meursault's trial, Camus critiques the arbitrariness of justice and the subjective nature of morality. While Meursault's crime is undeniable, the prosecution focuses more on his perceived lack of remorse and his unconventional lifestyle than on the act itself. His apathy towards his mother's death, his affair, and his general indifference are used to paint him as a monster, highlighting how societal norms and expectations often dictate judgments of guilt and innocence.