The Stranger Change of Mersault
In The Stranger, author Albert Camus contrasts his protagonist Meursault’s expectations to societal expectations. Camus creates a character who initially wants to please society; however, ultimately realizes that his own standards are the only true standards. Meursault’s reflection period in the prison causes him to change from being insecure to resolute in his beliefs. This shift is portrayed through changes in his attachment to friends and changes in his reaction to authority. Meursault’s response to authority, initially, was malleable; however, after his time in prison, his response becomes resolute as he becomes confident in his beliefs. When asked a question, he gives neutral responses to please authority figures because speaking what he really believes would be condemned by society. For example, when Meursault asks his boss for two days off, “[He] even said, ‘It’s not my fault’” (3). He says this to appease his boss, despite his internal belief that “[his boss] is the one who should have offered his condolences” (3). Later that week, his boss offers him a proposition to go work in Paris. His boss attempts to persuade him by saying, “You’re young, and it seems to me it’s the kind of life that would appeal to you” (41) Meu
. . .
Some common words found in the essay are:
Albert Camus, Meursault Marie, Initially Meursault, Initially Marie, Arab Meursault, Accordingly Maries, please authority, period prison, prison meursault, , authority figures, killing arab, meursault replies, physical pleasures, example meursault, recognizes value, emotional attachment, please authority figures,
Approximate Word count = 1045
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
|
 |
