Meta-Existentialism in Albert Camus' Cross Purpose: Deconstructing Narrative Layers of Absurdity Concerning Human Choices

Abstract

The present essay intends to look through and into the play Cross Purpose (1943) by Albert Camus as an illustration of existential philosophy, looking at how the characters—Jan and Martha in particular—maneuver through the absurdity of life. Echoing Camus' central theme of absurdity, it will examine the futility of pursuing moral clarity in a universe devoid of inherent meaning. The play's criticism of society norms, questioning of accepted morality, and blending elements of dark comedy and tragedy to produce an engaging theatrical experience will also be examined in this paper. By closely analyzing Cross Purpose, this paper hopes to add to the larger conversation about existential issues and the search for purpose in life's meaning in an oblivious universe. With a meta-existentialist lens, this essay also aims to evaluate the play and uncover intricate narrative layers that represent the complexities of existential philosophy. Through nuanced structural details and character interactions, it will look at how Camus incorporates the absurd into the narrative and challenges the audience to think about the nature of storytelling and meaning formation.