Signs of Depression in the Opening Chapters of ¨The Stranger¨

From the onset of chapter one, it becomes apparent to the reader that Meursault is an individual who is distant from his emotions. The opening lines perpetuates most nearly, a tone of inconsequence and indifference from Meursault, despite the fact that he just learned of his mother´s death, the details of which he shrugs off as something that, ¨Doesn't mean anything¨ (1). While being detached from one's emotions can be symptomatic of multiple personal and interpersonal issues, The body language, attitude, and internal narration of Meursault throughout the opening chapters align strikingly accord with the demeanor of an individual experiencing depressive symptoms. According to Mayo Clinic, the very  baseline medical definition of depression is as follows:

¨Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems¨

Multiple interactions and internal narrations involving Meursault through the opening chapter suggest that he may be burdened by some of the symptoms associated with major depressive disorder. Take for instance, Mersault´s tendency to always need to justify himself in the face of something seemingly adverse or controversial to the point where he thinks others may feel that he is to blame. He feels he needs justify to his boss, family friends, and Maria that his mother´s death is not his fault, highlighting his insecurities about how much he internally weighs what he feels others thing of him. As Mayo Clinic notes, ¨feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures or self-blame¨ are a very common depressive symptom, particularly among adult men.

Another major indicator of Mersaults internal struggle is his constant and debilitating fatigue throughout the chapters, seemingly both physical and in observance with the bustle of every day life. He is constantly tired and fantasizing of sleep. Whether it be on the bus ride, or throughout the funeral procession, or when he is gazing out at the streets from his condo, he is quick to remind us that he wishes he was asleep. He comments how the bustle of the city and its lights disorient and tire him. The bright glare of the sun over the plains bothers him throughout the funeral proceedings. The bleach-white walls bother him upon waking up in the church among grieving family friends. Light, sounds, and social interactions irritate and tire him, and he constantly is sleeping or wishing he could sleep throughout the chapters. As Mayo Clinic notes, ¨tiredness and lack of energy, so even small tasks take extra effort,¨ as well as, "sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much¨ are common symptoms of depression.

As the book goes on, it will be interesting to observe whether these behaviors persist in Meursault´s character, whether more symptoms present themselves, or whether these signs were merely a false flag.