Camus describes two relationships in which abuse is very involved. One being the relationship Raymond and "his woman" and the other being the relationship between Salamano and his dog. At first Raymond described his relationship with his woman as one where he distrusted her but did no beat her. He does say that he smacked her around a little but never beat her. But, when he found a lottery ticket in her purse and she couldn't explain it he beat her to blood. Even after then he did not think she got what she deserved. This situation is much like the relationship between Salamano and his dog. Although the two have been together for eight years nothing about their relationship has changed. Salamano beats the dog for things he cannot control. No matter how much love Salamano has for the dog and the loss he feels when he loses his dog, he still feels the need to abuse his dog in such a manner that he feels is consistent with the severity of his transgression.
This concept is consistent with Raymond's reaction to the police showing up to keep him from abusing his woman anymore. After the officer takes her away Raymond still state's that she has what is coming to her. But, she gains her freedom in this instance. Much like the way Salamano's dog gains his freedom at the end of chapter 6. Although the relationships were different, the abused still gained their freedom. Meursault probably feels that being indifferent is the proper way to lead a relationship because he saw everyday what extremes in a relationship could lead to. Suspicion that leads to abuse and abuse that leads to an overwhelming sense of loneliness when the abused is set free. Meursault feels that anything one can be attached to will eventually leave so he does not want to get attached to Marie because he does not want to be led to an extremity of emotion that can lead to the situation in the relationships between Raymond and his woman and Salamano and his dog.
I think the repitition of abusive relationships relates to existentialism. I agree with you, that Meursault saw what relationships can could lead to, and did not want it. This makes me think about how even if somebody chooses to believe that love is the meaning of their life, things may happen in relationships, or to loved ones, that are random, sad, and cause suffering. This still makes me curious about Meursault and Marie's relationship. If it were not for Meursault's outward denial of love to Marie, most people would say they are in love. Although at first he seems to only be with her for fun, and sex, they seem to become much closer emotionally throughout the book. I'm excited to see how love plays out in this book.
ReplyDeleteI never thought about that, that's a really interesting interpretation! I always just accounted Meursault's unemotional and disattachment with people to his own life and his natural character, but now that you mention it, it makes a lot of sense. I think that the extremes of emotions could definitely contribute to his lack of seriousness in his relationships, in addition to other factors. I think that Meursault also just does not see the point of close relationships and their effects. He has to feel emotions at some points here and there, but he always quickly transitions to other topics or reminds himself that he doesn't really care about them. I'd be interested to know how you think it might have ended if him and Marie had ended like Salamano and his dog or Raymond and his mistress. Do you think that Marie or Meursault would be the abuser? Would the victim be able to escape or be forever condemned?
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