Essay on Camus’ The Stranger (The Outsider): The Gentle Meursault :: Camus Stranger Essays

The Gentle Meursault of Camuss The Stranger (The Outsider) In Albert Camuss The Stranger, Meursault, the protagonist, could be seen as fast if he were judged on the basis of his actions alone. However, through Camuss use of a first person narrative, we begin to understand Meursault as not an immoral man, solely simply an indifferent one. Meursault is a symbol of the universe, and so in understanding him we understand that the universe is also not evil, but instead a habitation of gentle indifference.At first glance, Meursault could be seen as an evil man. He shows no grief at his mothers funeral, worrying more most the heat. His first reaction to his mothers death is not sadness, it is a matter-of-fact, unemotional acceptance of the situation. Maman died today. Or yesterday maybe, I dont know. afterward on in the story, Meursault kills an Arab on the beach, and his only concern is that he has ruined the calm, pleasant day he was having. When he is in jail, the magistrate comes i n an attempt to save Meursaults soul, but instead of cooperating, Meursault simply confounds the magistrate by refusing to believe in God. Even at his trial, Meursault doesnt show any remorse for having killed the Arab. Based on this evidence alone, how can we not see Meursault as evil?In the novel, we are given a more complete view of Meursault. The story is told from his point-of-view, which allows us to understand the situation as Meursault perceives it. Looking at the situation in this light, we can see Meursault as not evil, but simply indifferent and spaced from life. He doesnt attempt to get wrapped up in emotion or relationships, he just takes things as they come, doing whatever is easiest for him. He becomes friends with Raymond and agrees to link up Marie simply because he doesnt have a very good reason not to. Seeing the story from Meursaults viewpoint, we understand that even cleanup position the Arab wasnt an act of malice or evil intent. As Meursault puts it, My na ture is such that my physical needs often get in the way of my feelings. With this in context, things begin to make more sense. Meursaults seemingly cryptic statement that he murdered the Arab because of the sun can be taken as truth. Meursault does things that high society judges as wrong not because he is evil or wants to appear immoral, but because the sun and heat, symbols for Meursaults emotional state, cause him to become ill at ease(predicate) and act inappropriately.