Johnny Coualnges -Literary Analysis
Synthesis Essay Prompt

In the passage The Stranger the authored Albert Camus uses several techniques suggesting that Mersault is an outcast to society. Beginning with the “opening scene” involving Mersault’s mother death Camus demonstrates where the character stands on the outlook of society, as well as the significance of his reactions. He is portrayed to be indifferent and to some can typically considered abnormal. The tone that Camus utilizes allows the reader to see clearly how different think we are, but in fact we are honestly all awkward and very similar.

The quote towards the beginning of the book after the occurring death of Mersault’s mother states pg.3 “Mother Deceased. Funeral tomorrow. Faithfully yours.” That doesn’t mean anything. Maybe it was yesterday. This is indicating his abnormality and reactions to things which might be considered very significant to others. Several times throughout the book Mersault demonstrates abnormality7 within his persona, following his sense of carelessness. It is a matter of perspective and choice is what Mersault makes clear to us. Perspective plays a tremendous role through out the novel, especially since the story is being told in Mersault perspective. There is a battle of perspective, in this case Mersault vs. society. He tends to act however he feels, opposed to a society acted curricular.

Camus allows to relate to Mersault as we go through his predicaments and conflictions along with him. We are the primary source witnesses to them, which allow us to feel what he feels although to some he may be thought of as awkward. Especially through Mersault’s tone and reactions throughout the book so far. He has a sense of irrelevancy towards everything he comes across considering his own mother’s funeral not much of a societal expected emotion was taken place. Which I believe was tactical act done purposely by the author by the author complementing Mersault’s persona as well as the theme.

Through Mersault the author makes the assumption that society is awkward for acting the same and not thinking for themselves. He challenges our thoughts as the reader to view our characters and individual character as a society/community. Mersault is used in a unique way; people believe he is weird when he is in fact showing them a flaw within themselves. We are trained to become accustom to societal views and ways to go about situations. Which leads me to this question “Is Mersault really that different?? Indicating that people formulate what they want to believe is ethical. Which is a technique used by the author, the power of manipulation.

We are simply just robots to society, where as we act and do everything the same and are in a way close minded to what is different to societal views. Mersault is only a society drop out and is led by his individuality. Likewise to everybody else’s situation, but we are unfortunately blinded, and sometimes might not be aware.

Albert Camus repeatedly demonstrates the abstract thinking of our main character Mersault in regards to what he goes through. Often in situations he might not have planned to be in such as committed murder etc…situation like such he normally doesn’t attempt to repent of solve, which I find really interesting. Why is it that his relevancy outlook on everything is the same? I mean you would think that a certain situation like such would be more considered a serious matter. But what we have to remember is the fact that the book was written in Mersault’s perspective,. So we frequently are engaged with his ways of doing things and as we read along begin to question them less and less, because we now are coming to an understanding although not totally agreed. What is the lesson being taught by the Author?

On pg. 65 it states “Nevertheless I answered that I had pretty much lost the habit of analyzing myself and that it was hard for me to tell him what he wanted to know. I probably did love Manman, but that didn’t mean anything. At one time or another all normal people wished their loved ones were dead”. Through reading and analyzing this quote one might assume that he in fact did not love his mother, but its ironic how he never exactly show what he feels.

In conclusion although it might be considered “awkward” the way Mersault is to react to several things in different scenarios, it’s not always true. Unfortunately most are quick to judge and label, opposed to thoroughly looking at the situation.