Meursault's view of the world contrasts with others'. Although Meursault carries out the expected process after the death of a loved one, the reader who knows his thoughts can tell that his mother's death doesn't matter much to him. After going to her funeral, he goes on with life as usual.
From the start, Marie seems to notice Meursault's strange attitude. After swimming with Marie, Meursault mentions, "Once we were dressed, she seemed very surprised to see I was wearing a black tie and asked me if I was in mourning. I told her Maman had died. She wanted to know how long ago, so I said "Yesterday." She gave me a little start but didn't say anything"(20). Marie sees Meursault's abnormal reaction to Raymond abusing his girlfriend. Yet, she still wants to marry him. Although Meursault feels indifferent when it comes to love, or purpose in life, people are still pushing their expectations on to him. Marie asks Meursault a handful of times if he loves her. Every time, he gives her the same answer. He does not think it matters, and he does not think he loves her. Sure, he likes to spend time with her, but otherwise their relationship is meaningless.
Even Meursault's boss fails to comprehend Meursault's attitude towards life. He does not understand why a young man wouldn't want to move to paris, and have a life change. Of course, Meursault sees no importance in having "ambition".
Salamano assumes a lot of Meursault, believing that Meursault must have been very upset by his mother's death, even though Meursault shows no reason to believe that her death has affected his life in any way. Salamano seems to have some similarities to Meursault when it comes to relationships. He married a woman he didn't really love, but had gotten used to. He abuses his dog every day, yet he is upset when it gets lost. He seems to feel guilt, just as Meursault does. Maybe he assumes that Meursault cared about his mom as a way of justifying his own unhealthy relationships.
Do you think people are forcing their expectations of life, relationships, love, etc. on Meursault to comfort themselves, or do you think they are doing it for a different reason?
Very interesting point that you make. I personally believe that people are forcing their expectations of life, relationships, love, etc on Meursault because they too are emotionally damaged. For example, Marie asks Meursault if they would like to get married and Meursault responds by saying it would not make a difference whether they got married or not. Marie clearly is confused by this, noticing the lack of importance Meursault is showing. Marie replies that marriage is serious, and then Meursault says that it is not serious. However, Marie still proceeds to get married to him even though she realizes his uncaring and uninterested personality. This would only take a person with the same tendencies as Meursault to go along with this. Maybe Marie is just like Meursault. Maybe she wants to get married for her own selfish reasons. I like your blog, great point.
ReplyDeleteI have also found this very interesting, how Meursault has been able to charm so many of the other characters without really doing anything. I personally think that he knows how to please people and agrees to do things for/with them because he simply doesn't care enough to say no. Even if this were the case, however, it still wouldn't really explain why Marie continued wanting to marry him after his response. Hopefully it will be revealed.
ReplyDeleteI find it very interesting how you pointed out other people's reactions to Mersault's indifference and not just his own thoughts. I do think others put down Mersault's indifference to things to satisfy the sense of normality they feel for themselves. I also think that others do feel uncomfortable with Mersault's lack of ambition to fulfill societal pressures.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your points. I don't think the people in meursault's life are forcing their expectations on life and love but rather are just disappointed in Meursault's way of thinking. I think the people in Meursault's life are just trying to look out for his best interest even if it Meursault's cannot see it. To me, it may look like people are forcing expecations on Meursault but I think they are trying to fit Meursault into societal expectations of characteristics of a grown adult. Very interesting blog and question.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the point that you are making. For me, part of it is because Meursault is so unemotional and plain that it is easy for people to project themselves onto him. His relationship with Marie still confuses me because she does appear to be bothered by a ton of the things he does-especially with the quote that you identified. I also really like your question and would argue that it is to comfort themselves, and make them feel more normal given how bizarre he is. Good post!
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