Camus' "The Myth of Sisyphus" provides the philosophical basis for his additional novel, "The Stranger." The two main characters of the novels both support Camus' beliefs of existentialism. According to this philosophy, existence is emphasized, while abstract ideas are disregarded. It suggests that the meaning of life cannot be defined by human reason and that an individual must live solely based on what is known and discard anything that is not entirely certain. Through their inevitable fate, disrespect, assertion of freedom and choice, and indifference towards society, the reader can come to see a philosophical parallel between this mythological figure and modern freeloader.
             The existentialist person must live solely based on what is known and discard anything that is not entirely certain. This is shown by both characters through their understanding of fate. Sisyphus is sentenced to ceaselessly rolling a rock to the top of a mountain only to watch the rock's decent. Instead of living unhappily and dissatisfied for eternity, Sisyphus accepts his challenge of fate. The only certainty of his life is his fate, therefore, he must live by this challenge without question. Similarly, Meursault is sentenced to death and forced to ponder society's evils. When seeking to the chaplain, Meursault says that he wants to live with the certainties of his life, even if his only certainty is the each that awaits him. Both Sisyphus and Meursault hold the same existentialist belief seen by the understanding of each character's fate.
             Both Sisyphus and Meursault show a lack of respect towards their society. This disrespectful behavior of Sisyphus and Meursault may be justified by their yearn for freedom and choice. Sisyphus is accused of "a certain levity" toward the gods. He steals their secrets, ignores their orders, and all together shows no honor or obedience. This same a...