Understanding Meursault

Throughout Part 1 of The Stranger, Meursault struggles with connecting with people around him. Whether it be not understanding social cues, not wanting to interact with others, or simply not following social norms, he is unlike any other fictional character I know. While Meursault appears lonely in his own isolated bubble, he would consider himself happy.

On page 35, when Marie asks Meursault if he loves her, he bluntly answers that he "didn't think so." As expected, Marie is sad. However, Meursault does not elaborate any more on the matter and does not seem to understand why she is sad, nor does he sympathize or appear to feel guilt.  Later on, when Marie asks if Meursault wants to marry her, he explains that it does not make a difference to him- he could care less either way. Meursault continually exemplifies a lack of attachment and understanding of other individuals.

Furthermore, Meursault, as displayed in the first few scenes after his mother's death, appears to enjoy being left alone. On the bus on the way to the funeral home, Meursault falls asleep on a soldier's shoulder. When he wakes up, the soldier asks if he is travelling far and Meursault answers yes, just to avoid any additional conversation with the soldier. After the man allowed him to sleep on his shoulder, the least that Meursault could do is engage in some light-hearted small talk when engaged.
Lastly, Meursault does not tend to follow social norms- whether he understands them or not. For example, after witnessing the abuse that Raymond inflicted on his girlfriend, Meursault has no reaction. No matter who you are, abuse is not a light subject and anyone would have at least exclaimed that the situation was terrible, as Marie did. Furthermore, at Celeste's a strange lady asks Meursault to share a table with him and Meursault, surprisingly agrees. However, after she finishes dining and leaves, Meursault, because he "didn't have anything else to do," decides to follow her. No rational human decides to follow a stranger for no apparent reason. What makes it even more strange is that after he loses the lady, he just moves on. He followed her for no reason- which is just abnormal and not socially acceptable.

After talking to his boss, Meursault admits that he sees no reason to change because none of it really matters. He could be happy wherever he is, it is all the same to him. No matter how odd his life is, all that really matters is happiness at the end of the day.