Throughout the book, Meursault displays tendencies that do not align with his age. In the first chapter, he repeats that his mother's death is not his fault. This reveals his dependence and lack of autonomy because he feels inferior, thus the need to justify why he needs to take a few days off of work. The situation where he tells his boss reminds me of when little kids defend themselves against their parent's accusations.
Meursault's relationship with Raymond also reveals his juvenile nature. As a reader, it is clear that Raymond is not a good guy yet Meursault does not see this. In fact, when asked to write a letter for him Meursault say, "I did it just as it came to me, but I tried my best to please Raymond because I didn't have any reason not to please him. (32)" Meursault is blind to Raymond's true nature. Even after Raymond beats his girlfriend and it escalates to the point that the cops are called, Meursault is still blind to Raymond's violent and irrational behavior. This delineates Meursault's juvenility because of his innocence which hinders him to see Raymond for who he really is. Often, children are not matured enough to develop an adequate moral compass and lack the experiences that would lead them to develop one. Therefore, children are trusting of anyone. That is why parents have to warn their children not to help the seemingly nice dog owner who lost his dog or the person on the street who offers candy. Meursault displays this childish tendency to trust.
Yet another example of Meursault's youth is his tendency to nap. In nearly every chapter, Meursault talks of tiredness or sleep. He sleeps at his mother's funeral, half of the day on Sunday, and when his girlfriend is over. Just as children are dependent on sleep, he is too.
This may be a reach but this was my first thought about the book. I thought that the language reinforced this because of the simple syntax and diction but I realize that that may also be because the book is a translation.
(DQ) I know that an important part of the book is how Meursault views other characters. Do you think that he seems oblivious to the evils of others because he actually is oblivious or does he block it out?
The part where you bring up Meursault's justification reminds me of how a child has to justify things to his or her parent. When he tells his boss he has to take off work, that was a good example because it is very similar to what little kids do. They have to ask permission to do the tiniest things, like changing the channel or going to the bathroom. Also with the need to please, which explains why he "agrees" with everything Raymond says. You have nice specific examples to prove your thesis.
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