In the story, the author introduces the philosophy of absurdity. The essay portrays life as meaningless, although people try to find a way of living. Camus argues that humans try to seek answers to unanswerable questions. The essay uses Sisyphus, a Greek legend who has been totally condemned by the gods, to bring out the theme of absurdity. The legend tries to roll a stone up a hill repeatedly, only for it to roll back once he gets to top part of the mountain. The example is metaphorical in that it shows how human beings persistently struggle with the absurdity of life. According to the author, this is the first step a man should take towards accepting the facts of absurdity.
Camus presents other examples of absurdity of life in his work. He analyses the life of Don Juan, who is a serial seducer, whose life is solely characterized by passion. The other example talks of an actor who lives for ephemeral fame. The third example of absurd life which Camus has used is that of a conqueror. In this example, the warrior chooses to forego promises of eternity and in turn engages himself in human history. The conqueror decides to act, with the fact that no victory is final and nothing can last in his mind.
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Camus argues that the legend undergoes punishment in the underworld which he endures. The legend’s state of mind once the stone rolls down the mountain also fascinates the author. While moving down the mountain, the legend is free from his labor. In this case, Camus argues that Sisyphus’s fate is very tragic simply because he has he got no other option rather than struggling. The author also argues that if suicide is not the best response to the legend, the other option is launching a rebellion. The rebellion will be achieved through rejoicing about the act of getting the boulder to the top of the mountain. Camus finally argues that an individual gains an identity by accepting struggle against defeat.
