The Character of Monsieur Meursault in The Stranger Essay

The Character of Monsieur Meursault in The Stranger Camus entitled his novel The Stranger because his protagonist actually was a stranger to both his associates and his surroundings. Monsieur Meursault was never really known by anyone. Nobody ever knew what really made Meursault tick and nobody ever really knew what motivated him. Meursault was a wanderer throughout his life. Meursault was also a stranger because he did not understand other people’s motivations either. Meursault formed relationships easily enough and interacted with others. But, it was obvious that Meursault interacted in these relationships the way other people expected him to. For example, when Meursault invited Salamano into his house, he eventually†¦show more content†¦Here, the reader sees that Meursault notices that he is doing well in the conversation and he takes note of it. Meursault is also very distant from everyone he meets and interacts with. He was distant at his mother’s funeral and he was distant with Marie and he was distant with the police both times he was questioned. At Maman’s funeral, Meursault paid more attention to his surroundings, the nurse with the bandaged face, the bright sunlight and the caretaker than he did his mother’s body. He did not even enter a time of mourning. Meursault did not want to look at his mother or have the casket opened. Instead, he drank coffee and smoked cigarettes. This proves Meursault’s distance from his mother. Meursault also is distant with the woman who eventually should become his fiancee. He enjoys Marie’s company. But, it seems like her enjoys her as a woman rather than as an individual. Marie’s breasts seem to be Meursault favorite part about her. Meursault is also distant when dealing with the police. It appears as if he is watching himself deal with other people while outside of his own body. He reports the lawyers’ and judge’s questioning matter of factly and stoically. One passage that involves the courtroom and the variety of people in it, shows how alone MeursaultShow MoreRelatedEssay on The Hero in The Stranger by Albert Camus787 Words   |  4 Pages The Hero in Camus’s The Stranger (The Outsider)nbsp; Certain novels include a character who, based solely on his actions, would appear to be evil, but in an in-depth examination, can be seen in a different, more sympathetic light. The character Meursault, in Albert Camus’s The Stranger, is notable for this description. While his murderous crime and indifference to emotions make him seem to be cretinous, his dramatic transformation at the end of the story make us feel for him. When he finallyRead MoreJudgment in Peter Shaffers Equus and Albert Camus The Stranger1160 Words   |  5 PagesPersonal judgment in Peter Shaffer’s Equus and Albert Camus’ The Stranger, though internal in the first and external in the latter, mirrors society’s judgment of those who differ from the norm. 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