Meursault is a Hero of Self Independence

Throughout, The Stranger, by Albert Camus, Meursault is constantly creating problems for himself due to him just being who he really is. Starting at the beginning of the story, Meursault really doesn't show much grief or sorrow or any emotion for the most part when he is dealing with his mother's death. He also never went and visited his mother and, he said that he loved her but with no real enthusiasm. Later in the book, he gets criticized for this and it becomes a key part of his trial. This is also shown in his relationship with Marie. Meursault reaches a point in the story where he is basically Marie's boyfriend/fiance. However, when Marie asks him if he loves her, he says probably not and that this could have happened with any girl like her. These two essential parts of the book highlight Meursault and his thinking which, support the idea of him having true independence. He doesn't conform to society and he is not afraid to share his true emotions. In the end, that is his downfall. Meursault is truly who he is and is fine with the consequences that come from his actions.