The book The Stranger by Albert Camus revolves around the life of a quirky man named Meursault. Meursault is a strange, elusive person whose characteristics remain vague to the audience; however, his interactions with Marie shed light on his attributes, and reveal Meursault’s true beliefs and personality. While the other characters in the book don’t do much but establish the fact that Meursault is cold and indifferent, Marie is able to delve deep into his heart and shows us his true emotions and traits that would otherwise remain hidden.
In the beginning of the novel, not much is shown about Meursault’s character or beliefs. The author’s description of Meursault’s interactions with Maman shows that Meursault is indifferent, but doesn’t really …show more content…
This is first seen when Meursault and Marie are both relaxing on the beach, and Meursault begins to fall for her. He is overcome by emotion and passion and states that he “didn’t say anything more from that point on... held her to me and we hurried to catch a bus, get back, go to my place, and throw ourselves onto my bed” (35). Meursault is so taken by his raw desire for her overtakes all rational thought and he forgets everything else, rushing to her — an action that is completely contrary to earlier descriptions of him. None of the other actions that Meursault performs, such as helping Raymond write his letter, provide any insight whatsoever into how loving he can be, but Marie does. She helps provide a unique perspective to the reader while other characters, like Maman, failed. The reader’s opinion of Meursault is transformed from a thinking that he doesn’t care for others at all, to that he can be loving and caring. Another instance when Marie reveals Meursault’s characteristics and personality occurs when Meursault is going out to to town, and he says that Raymond “wanted to go to a whorehouse, but I said no, because I don’t like that” (38). This incident, albeit indirectly, shows Meursault’s unwavering loyalty to Marie and how he is not swayed by Raymond’s suave words. This is the first instance in which Meursault’s values are displayed, showing that he has does have some moral boundaries and guidelines when it comes down to his love for others. Additionally, Meursault’s behavior shows that he cares enough about Marie that he is not seduced by other women, which is something completely different from the author’s previous descriptions of
In the beginning of the novel, not much is shown about Meursault’s character or beliefs. The author’s description of Meursault’s interactions with Maman shows that Meursault is indifferent, but doesn’t really …show more content…
This is first seen when Meursault and Marie are both relaxing on the beach, and Meursault begins to fall for her. He is overcome by emotion and passion and states that he “didn’t say anything more from that point on... held her to me and we hurried to catch a bus, get back, go to my place, and throw ourselves onto my bed” (35). Meursault is so taken by his raw desire for her overtakes all rational thought and he forgets everything else, rushing to her — an action that is completely contrary to earlier descriptions of him. None of the other actions that Meursault performs, such as helping Raymond write his letter, provide any insight whatsoever into how loving he can be, but Marie does. She helps provide a unique perspective to the reader while other characters, like Maman, failed. The reader’s opinion of Meursault is transformed from a thinking that he doesn’t care for others at all, to that he can be loving and caring. Another instance when Marie reveals Meursault’s characteristics and personality occurs when Meursault is going out to to town, and he says that Raymond “wanted to go to a whorehouse, but I said no, because I don’t like that” (38). This incident, albeit indirectly, shows Meursault’s unwavering loyalty to Marie and how he is not swayed by Raymond’s suave words. This is the first instance in which Meursault’s values are displayed, showing that he has does have some moral boundaries and guidelines when it comes down to his love for others. Additionally, Meursault’s behavior shows that he cares enough about Marie that he is not seduced by other women, which is something completely different from the author’s previous descriptions of