Life is Meaningless

As Mersault is confined to a prison cell it is a huge turning point in the book. I think that these moments he had a huge sense loneliness and loss of freedom. I think that these moments really solidified what Camus was trying to get across the whole novel.

Throughout the novel Mersault has gone through the motions and given off an unappreciative attitude towards every aspect of life; Whether it be making friends, engaging in conversation, or developing sexual relationships with people. These everyday concepts  are something I believe Mersault took for granted. He would continuously avoid engaging in committed relationships with other people when given the opportunity. For example, when Marie had asked if he had loved her and his response was simply " I don't think so." this shows how he had taken advantage the opportunity of having a meaningful relationship.

In his final hours I think Mersault comes to the conclusion that losing his freedom has been the most detrimental consequence of confinement. He comes to the realization that no matter who you are or what you have done in life, death is inevitable. This realization only sparks his belief that even if you have done wrong, such as being a murderer it is no different than the life of someone who has done good because we are all faced with the same undeniable fate of death. I think that this is something that Camus was trying to make apparent for the majority of the novel, and is really showcased here. Mersault's  ideology makes him not an active member of society and contributes to his unappreciative attitude about life.