Topic > Meursault's Behavior and Character in the Novel The Stranger , he recalls sporadically throughout the novel. One of the surprising elements of the story is Meursault's apparent disinterest in everything related to the people who are, or should be, close to him and the events that surround him. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay During the viewing for his mother, and even during her funeral, Meursault expresses none of the feelings of grief or mourning that would usually accompany someone whose mother has just died. In fact, immediately after the funeral, when Meursault should have been in mourning, he quickly returns to his normal routine, except for the addition of a new girlfriend, Marie, and his new friend, Raymond, who both become very important. people to Meursault despite his indifferent behavior. The story reaches its climax twice: first when Meursault shoots the Arab on the beach and second, when the chaplain comes to speak to him while Meursault awaits the outcome of his appeal. He is convicted of murder, having very little evidence to support his defense, and sentenced to death. However, most of the arguments against Meursault all relate to how he reacted to his mother's death, a factor he believes is irrelevant to his case. Ultimately, Meursault's entire narrative since the announcement of his mother's death stands as an affirmation of the insignificance of death and life and the tight control that society has over its population. Meursault talks about it as he comes to terms with his death: the universe is indifferent. People ask him about his opinions, his feelings about things he has said and done, or about things regarding the future, wanting to come up with answers that are considered normal and acceptable for the society that man has created. But Meursault is not limited to social norms and demonstrates this throughout the story by dealing with his mother's death and Marie's proposals, befriending Raymond and rejecting religion. Society cares about funerals. It should be noted that it was the retirement home that organized the funeral of Meursault's mother. Society cares about marriage. Society rejects humble people like Raymond. Society, at least at that time, promotes religion. Meursault goes against these things and is punished by society as a result. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get Custom Essay Yes, Meursault killed a man. But pining over the reasons for this won't reveal any solid conclusions. In fact, I believe it is just a tangible affirmation of Meursault's estrangement from society. In his narration, the reader sees that he has friends and that there are people who care about him despite his quirks, but they are simply individuals and do not represent society at large. The killing of the Arab was the straw that broke the camel's back that society needed to legitimately (according to its laws) show Meursault the error of his being; namely, his reluctance to conform to social ideals.
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