It was as if that great rush of anger had washed me clean, emptied me of hope, and, gazing up at the dark sky spangled with its signs and stars, for the first time, the first, I laid my heart open to the benign indifference of the universe.To feel it so like myself, indeed, so brotherly, made me realize that I'd been happy, and that I was happy still. For all to be accomplished, for me to feel less lonely, all that remained to hope was that on the day of my execution there should be a huge crowd of spectators and that they should greet me with howls of execration.

Summary

This quote from Albert Camus' "The Stranger" explores the protagonist's shift in perspective. The rush of anger he feels cleanses him from hope and exposes him to the universe's indifference. Looking at the sky, he realizes for the first time that he had been happy and still is, as he finds the universe to be a kindred presence. The only remaining hope for him in his impending execution is to be met with a large crowd expressing their hatred towards him, lessening his perceived loneliness. This quote reflects the protagonist's acceptance of his fate and his detachment from societal expectations.

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