Sisyphus_Analysis

Critical Precis on “Sisyphus "The Myth of Sisyphus" is an essay written by Albert Camus that describes his reaction to the myth. According to Greek mythology, Sisyphus was a mortal who was condemned by the gods to continuously push a stone up a hill, and then watch it fall back down from the top, forever. This punishment was the result of tricking the gods into letting him enjoy nature on Earth, and escape from remaining in the underworld. Along with explaining the myth, Camus expresses his reaction towards it. The author’s main claim is that the ideas of happiness and absurdity are connected to each other. Camus believes that an individual can only be truly happy when they have accepted their fate for what it is. Furthermore, he explains that by abandoning hope of a better life, an individual will be happy because their fate won’t seem as bad if there is nothing to look forward to. This theory is related to the Greek myth because Camus states that Sisyphus was actually happy with his punishment. His reasoning is that Sisyphus is conscious of his fate each time the stone falls back down, but is never disappointed because he has accepted his fate, and doesn’t dream of a better life. Camus’ main claim also involves labeling Sisyphus as a “absurd man”. He calls him this because before his punishment, he believed in living life to its fullest. However, this causes him to eventually be condemned to push the stone, and thus, accomplish nothing in life. Camus is stating that it is impossible to live life to its fullest, and that if you want to be happy, your life must be revolved around doing the same activity every day. Although Camus thoroughly explains his reaction towards the myth, some of his beliefs are debatable. While happiness and absurdity are partially related, true happiness is different for every individual. Camus believes happiness comes when you don’t hope for a better life anymore, however, it can actually come when a dream is achieved. An individual who sets a goal that will result in their life becoming better than it currently is can discover happiness. If you accept your fate, then you may be never be disappointed and feel “happy”, but if you find a way to improve your life, then true happiness will be found. Albert Camus’ essay “The Myth of Sisyphus” has a main claim that is not entirely correct. The first part of the author’s argument is about the idea of absurdity. He conveys this theory by explaining the Greek myth of Sisyphus. Camus explains how Sisyphus was condemned to his punishment as a result of his passions. Sisyphus is called an “absurd hero” by Camus because of both his “passion for life” and “his torture”. The myth explains that Sisyphus enjoyed living, and was passionate about nature. However, his punishment caused him to change. He soon realized the absurdity of human life. Camus says that his situation is similar to every “workman of today”. Every day people do the same thing that they did the previous day. According to Camus, this is not a tragic fate unless the person becomes aware of it. Once discovered, they can choose to accept it, or futilely attempt to change it. Camus relates this to the myth when he explains that Sisyphus was “conscious” of his “wretched condition”. He believes that the reason Sisyphus always went back down to the stone was because he accepted his fate. Every person’s absurd condition is the result of them working the same daily routine while they “accomplish nothing”. They continue to do so because they accept their absurd fate, which “can not be surmounted by scorn”. Part of Camus‘ main claim in his essay is that a human’s fate is absurd, whether or not they choose to accept it. Camus’ main claim also involves how an absurd fate can lead to happiness. He believes that “Happiness and the absurd are two sons of the same earth”. This theory relates to the myth because Camus calls Sisyphus both an absurd man, and imagines that he is happy with his life. However, Sisyphus isn’t explained as being happy with his punishment, but happy that due to his absurd fate, he doesn’t hope for a better future. Camus believes a person must accept their fate, because hoping for a better one will result in a person’s “sorrow”.