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
rsault replies yes, but only because he "would rather not... upset him" (41) In actuality, however, it was "all the same" to him (41). His dealings with authority figures all share an uneasiness and a tentativeness. For example, when he meets director of the old people's home and thinks he is being criticized, "[he] start[s] to explain" (4). However, he is cut off when the director tells him he is free of blame. His need to defend all his actions to authorities shows that he realizes his and societies values are opposed. He assumes the director will reprimanded him for leaving his mother, his boss will reprimand him for taking time off and for not accepting enthusiastically a new job offer, so he replies vaguely and hesitantly to cover his true indifference. As a result of a contemplative period in prison where Meursault is deprived of the company of his friends, he realizes their importance and views his relationships with added depth. Meursault's crystallization of his beliefs ultimately leads him to connect his outward manifestation with his insides. After he is in prison, Meursault becomes active in asserting his beliefs. As soon as he kills the Arab, he realizes he "[has] shattered the harmony of the day" (59). He realizes that he has permanently severed his harmony with society in killing the Arab. Thus, he has no longer needs to please authority figures; therefore, he asserts his own beliefs. At the trial, Meursault realizes that his "fate [is] being decided... without... [his] participation," and, therefore, wants to "break
Some common words found in the essay are:
Albert Camus, Meursault Marie, Initially Meursault, Initially Marie, Arab Meursault, Accordingly Marie's, prison meursault, period prison, please authority, , killing arab, authority figures, kills arab, attempt help, 41 meursault, example meursault, emotional attachment, please authority figures,
Approximate Word count = 1045
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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