The Stranger: Powerful or Powerless?

"As if that blind rage had washed me clean, rid me of hope; for the first time, in that night alive with signs and stars, I opened myself to the gentle indifference of the world. Finding it so much like myself—so like a brother, really—I felt that I had been happy and that I was happy again. For everything to be consummated, for me to feel less alone, I had only to wish that there be a large crowd of spectators the day of my execution and that they greet me with cries of hate."

Throughout the entire novel, it is most definitely apparent that Meursault seems to regard human affairs with a cold indifference. He observes, never casts judgments, and remains impartial in matters of the heart. Most of the novel, it is not apparent whether or not there is a higher power ruling his actions and morals. However, it is not until the chaplain suggests he turn to God before his execution that Meursault finally comes to the realization that the world is also indifferent to the suffering of people. Since he has no one else at the end of the novel to relate to, he finds companionship in the indifference of the world, regarding it as “a brother.” Meursault attempted to grasp at this concept throughout the novel, but it wasn’t until he realized the inevitability of his death that he finally accepted this generalization.

My big question, as previously defined, is: How does someone of something ultimately exercise complete power over another individual?

In a way, Meursault was overpowered by this realization and surrendered to the world, his "brother." Hoping to see “a large crowd of spectators that greet [him] with cries of hate” the day of his execution, Meursault demonstrates his belief that the cold indifference of the world controls him and his fate. This proves that he is not powerful, but rather powerless. He does not care to ameliorate his situation, and does not care that he is not in control.