The Myth of Sisyphus

In Camus’s philosophy, suicide is an acceptable response to life’s absurdity, but he believes there’s a better way. What is this alternative, and why is it better?

What is “philosophical suicide,” and what does Camus recommend instead?

Camus distances himself from the existentialists, calling himself an absurdist, yet most historians regard him as an existentialist. Is he one of them or not? Defend your viewpoint.

Part 2, “The Absurd Man,” presents three types of people. Briefly describe each, define the trait they share in common, and explain how this trait deals with life’s absurdity.

How can creative artists best respond to absurdity in their art? In doing so, what is the biggest risk they face?

According to Camus, what is Dostoevsky’s great strength as a philosophical storyteller? What, by contrast, is his great weakness? How are Dostoevsky and Kafka similar?

Franz Kafka’s books The Trial and The Castle depict protagonists who face unfair situations that they can’t change. How does each protagonist respond to this unfairness? How are their fates similar to that of Sisyphus?

Who was Sisyphus, and why was he punished? How did he overcome that punishment? Why does Camus imagine that Sisyphus must be happy? Do you agree or disagree with his perspective, and why?