Thursday, September 24, 2015
Clueless
Meursault really doesn't get it. Throughout his entire experience speaking with the magistrate and his lawyer, as well as throughout his trial, he helps the prosecution paint an image of him as an unfeeling, cold-blooded killer. He tells his lawyer he felt no sadness when his mother died because he was too tired. In court he tries to help the caretaker, who is testifying against him. At one point he even ignores the magistrate's questions as to why he hesitated before shooting again. It is no surprise after hearing all his actions the courtroom seems to hate him. Even though he realizes this he continues to not make an effort and I predict this book will not have a happy ending for the man the magistrate calls "Monsieur Antichrist".
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I agree, Duncan. Mersault in this section of the novel makes himself appear to be the most naive person ever. For example, he tells the courtroom that the reason he chose to shoot the Arab was because of the sun. And then, when the response to his reason is not positive, he makes it seem like they just don't understand him. But in reality, it is Mersault who doesn't understand anything. He just makes himself seem like an ignorant and conscienceless person.
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