The main character in The Stranger by Albert Camus seems robotic and machine-like. He seems to be devoid of any type of emotions, hardly batting an eyelash when his "Maman" dies at the beginning of the novel.
He walks through the the burial day for his mother in a trance-like state, not remembering much except vivid snapshots of individual's tear-stained faces, as well as the extreme heat of the day, portraying how selfish he is. He cannot seem to get over his discomfort, fearing that he might either faint or catch a chill. Although he is bland narrator, he does describe the day in artistic details, focusing on the things he views, instead of what he is internally feeling. He even describes "blood-red earth spilling over Maman's casket, the white flesh of the roots mixed in with it...," which creates an image that the reader can insert themselves into, being drawn into the story.
The oddest occurrence ends the second chapter. After what would be coined an overwhelming day for most, Meursault is only thinking of his bed, and the blissful twelve hours of sleep that awaits him.
No comments:
Post a Comment