Perspective

As discussed in "Important People - The Author," Camus' intellectual and narrative perspective in The Rebel is defined by his philosophical perspective - specifically, by his existentialism, the belief that individual free will was (is?) the primary motivator of human action and development, and therefore of the evolution of humanity as a whole. With that in mind, then, it's quite possible to see existentialist belief at the core of the theories Camus develops here. Throughout the book, he suggests the spirit of and/or the impulse to rebellion ultimately originates, and is defined by, the individual's determination and/or desire to improve the circumstances of his life. By extension, this means societal rebellion is the result of a group of like-minded individuals, all motivated by discomfort within similar external circumstances, joining with one another to advance their internal individual goals. The Rebel can therefore be seen and/or...