After reading about the case of Mersault, I was drawn to the utter lack of complexity in the case. Every one knew that Mersault had shot the Arab. He even said admitted to everything.
Thinking about the case of Mersault, my mind retreated back to the time when I read Twelve Angry Men. Unlike The Stranger, the case in Twelve Angry Men was much more complex. There was a controversial switchblade, conflicting witness testimony and intense jury deliberations. The case was the opposite of open and shut The jurors deliberated for hours, and their discussions were full of emotion and feeling.
Or when I watched the documentary series, How to Make a Murderer, the case of Steven Avery was full of suspense, mystery and lies.
Each one of these cases was full of emotion for the readers entertainment. It is what made Twelve Angry Men interesting to read, and How to Make a Murderer fascinating to watch. So why did Camus make the case of Mersault so uninteresting for the reader?
Interesting thoughts and questions. I think it would be a major juxtaposition if Camus decided to spruce up the trail. In true Mersault fashion we get farther in the book with little character development.
ReplyDeleteInteresting point. Just furthers the amount of indifference and meaninglessness in this story.
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