Alienation Theme in The Stranger, Oblomov, and Crime and Punishment

Alienation is a recurring theme in literature, and it is often depicted through characters who isolate themselves from society for various reasons. In the novels Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky, The Stranger by Albert Camus, and Oblomov by Ivan Goncharov, the protagonists Raskolnikov, Meursault, and Ilya Ilyich Oblomov, respectively, all experience a sense of alienation from the society in which they live. Despite their differences in backgrounds, circumstances, and motivations, these characters share a common sense of detachment from their respective societies' social norms and expectations. Through their actions, thoughts, and behaviors, these characters exhibit a sense of isolation that stems from their unique perspectives on life and their struggles with societal norms.

Raskolnikov, the protagonist of Crime and Punishment, is a former student living in impoverished conditions in St. Petersburg, Russia. He is burdened by his extreme poverty and the moral dilemma of his theory of the "extraordinary man," which justifies committing a crime in pursuit of a higher purpose. Raskolnikov isolates himself from society due to his internal conflicts and guilt after committing a heinous crime. He becomes increasingly withdrawn, avoiding social interactions and struggling with his conscience. Raskolnikov's isolation is also heightened by his inability to connect with others due to his intellectual arrogance and sense of superiority. He struggles to reconcile his philosophical beliefs with the harsh realities of his actions, leading to a sense of estrangement from the society around him.

Similarly, Meursault, the protagonist of The Stranger, is a detached and emotionally indifferent character who lives in Algiers, Algeria. Meursault is depicted as emotionally detached and indifferent toward societal expectations and norms. He is apathetic toward the social conventions of grief, love, and religion, which makes him stand out as an outsider. Meursault is alienated from society due to his refusal to conform to societal expectations of emotional expression and his unconventional behavior. He often feels disconnected from those around him, unable to understand or participate in the emotional experiences of others entirely. Meursault's lack of empathy and emotional detachment lead to his isolation from society.

Ilya Ilyich Oblomov, the protagonist of Oblomov, is a wealthy and idle landowner in 19th-century Russia. He is portrayed as an extreme introvert, leading a sedentary and reclusive lifestyle and avoiding engaging with the outside world. Oblomov's isolation is rooted in his extreme aversion to the demands and pressures of the society around him. He is overwhelmed by lethargy, procrastination, and inertia, leading him to retreat into a world of his fantasies and dreams. Oblomov is isolated from society due to his inability to take action, make decisions, or engage in the responsibilities of adult life. His self-imposed seclusion further perpetuates his sense of alienation from society that expects him to conform to societal norms.

To conclude we can see that despite their different backgrounds and motivations, Raskolnikov, Meursault, and Oblomov share common themes of alienation in their respective novels. One of the primary reasons for their isolation is their inability or unwillingness to conform to societal expectations and norms. Raskolnikov challenges the societal norms of morality and ethics by committing a crime for what he believes is a higher purpose. Meursault rejects societal expectations of emotional expression and social conventions, refusing to conform to the emotional norms of grief, love, and religion. Oblomov retreats from the demands and pressures of society, avoiding any form of engagement and responsibility. So isolation is actually the punishment for those who fail to conform to society's expectations. In each case, their actions or attitudes set them apart from their community, and they are subsequently marginalized or ostracized by people around them as a result.