The Stranger

How does the perception of truth affect love?

Albert Camus wrote the novel, The Stranger, in an attempt to speak of the great importance of truth in society. His character, Mersault, ends up being executed, on a deeper level, because of truth and how he didn't conform to the societal standards of emotion, regret, and confession. Mersault does not share with emotional levels of most members of society, thus when he seemingly just shows apathy throughout his whole criminal trial and in his relationshps, he is isolated. Mersault's perception of truth does not align with that of society; while society practices a belief that truth is slightly tainted and can be swayed in order to produce desired results such as freedom, the approval of others, or the easy way out, Mersault holds to truth as an absolute entity. As Mersault shares his anti-social thoughts and feelings, the public hates him for it, finding that the only way they can eliminate this individual who is so different than themselves is to execute him. In another sense, the reader is drawn to this character not necessarily out of love for him but rather an interest in his truthful behavior, however disturbing. Some of the comments or thoughts Mersault has are so simplisitic, so truthful they are similar to that of a child, except for the lack of morality. Camus explores society's relationship to truth, repression, and distortion of it.

The Metamorphosis

How does the perception of truth affect love?

In this novel by Franz Kafka, the main character and narrator Gregor Samsa transforms into a giant insect and the novel follows the result this has on both him and his family. Gregor's sister, Grete, at first is the one individual who cares for Gregor and provides him with a connection to the world outside of his room transformed prison. As the novel progresses, the perception of truth and its relationship to love become a vital theme and component. Grete and the rest of Gregor's family begin to see him as only an insect, rather than their son or brother. This percieved truth that Gregor is no longer Gregor causes them all to treat him with disdain bitterness. Grete verbalizes all this when she exclaims, " things can't go on like this. Maybe you don't realize it, but I do. I won't pronounce the name of my brother in front of this monster, and so all I say is: we have to try to get rid of it" (Kafka 48). It is clear that she hates the transformed Gregor because her truth is that he is a vermin, ruining her life and thus cannot expect to receive any love from her. This view is shared by Gregor's parents, more reluctantly and not as blatantly but their lack of love is there all the same. This change of love because of a new perception of truth marks the transformation of Gregor's family, which unlike Gregor's physical metamorphosis is one of character and emotion.