Meursaults Indifference in The Stranger, by Albert Camus

In The Stranger, Albert Camus allows the main character to tell the story in order to give the reader an experience of his own. Obviously, with a novel also comes language, which Camus incorporates cleverly as a way to indirectly illustrate Meursault’s thoughts about certain situations. Although the novel represents a postmodern setting, the author shifts the overall meaning. In The Stranger, Camus applies a unique literary style as a power that deflects blame from Meursault, the antiheroic character. In order to disclaim the fault of Meursault, Camus incorporates several instances in which he leaves a greater sense of authority to nonliving objects, while further drawing attention away from the main character. Based on the implication of†¦show more content†¦Furthermore, he covers the Arab’s intentions when talking about the same blade that persists in bringing Meursault pain. He describes the stabbing as a â€Å"scorching blade [that] slashes at [his] eyelas hes and stabs at [his] stinging eyes† (59). The moment that the blade brings itself to Meursault’s face and slashes at his eyelashes, of course, is the point at which Meursault acknowledges that everything is beginning to reel. Finally, under the influence of the sea’s fiery breath and the sun’s scorching attitude, Meursault admits that â€Å"the trigger gave† when reminiscing on the death of the Arab (59). Not until after he blames the trigger for the mishap does he use first person to describe the negative actions, as he shoots the Arab four more times. At this point, perhaps, he realizes his own fault within the situation as he continues to set himself in place for the remainder of part one. The simple sentences in The Stranger reveal Meursault’s emotional detachment from society, while the more complex sentences are assigned to objects with authority. Throughout the entire novel, Meursault’s simplicity and disinterest in the world can be identified with the incorporation of his simple statements. Especially in this particular passage, Meursault finds it unimportant to challenge himself in a way that makes sense. Although Meursault recognizes the sensibility of walkingShow MoreRelatedEssay about Absurdism in The Stranger by Albert Camus1271 Words   |  6 PagesThe Stranger by Albert Camus focuses largely on the concept of absurdism. Camus uses family and personal relationships, or the lack of it thereof, to show the isolation that the main character, Meursault, undergoes in the novel and it’s effect on him overall. Camus utilizes the protagonists’ character development as a tool to further his plot of the novel. 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