From an existentialist position, it is easy to conclude that Camus’ character Mersault is, indeed, more free inside prison rather that outside prison. Throughout the novel, the reader is enlightened on Mersault’s peculiar and abnormal societal behavior. He is a complex character that appears to be disconnected from everything around him. He comes across as rather distant, indifferent, and callous in his words and actions. The reasoning for his behaviors are skewed and totally unusual. According to our societal norm, he is absurd. For instance, Mersault never even cries when his mother dies – in fact, he comes across as not caring at all. His attitude makes the reader believe that he truly does lack emotion. He thinks that, “since we’re all
