The two strangers, Gregor in The Metamorphosis and Muersault in The Stranger, are exiles of their lifestyles. They are separated from the lives that they have created for themselves and incarcerated in a taunting prison. The way with which they live their lives is the contrast between the two strangers. Gregor values his family and their materialistic society, and works tirelessly to support it. Muersault values his own natural rights and freedoms over all else, and makes a conscious effort not to let any other power infringe upon those rights. Muersault lives for himself; so that he may try to enjoy life's liberties while he is able. Their lives are on opposite sides of the spectrum in many references, yet their prisons are together in the middle.

Gregor's metamorphosis can be interpreted as a punishment on earth dealt by a god. To Gregor, family is the sole purpose...