A sociopath is someone with a personality disorder manifesting itself in extreme antisocial attitudes and behaviors and a lack of conscience. Meursault, at times, shows signs of having sociopathic tendencies. For example, his reaction to his mother's death strikes some people as underdramatic and unsympathetic. Furthermore, the killing of the Arab definitely strikes as an unconventional event. Regardless of what may have been perceived, Meursault was not participating in self-defense. Therefore his exaggerated attack proved to be inhumane, and unnecessary.
Knowing this information, one could make the assumption that Meursault is indeed a sociopath. On the other hand, what if this way of thinking was unfair to Meursault?
Some would consider judging him in this manner reflects more on the judging person than on Meursault. Why do readers feel the need to judge how Meursault deals with his troubles. Readers consider Meursault's actions as 'bad' because they are different from their own actions. Although Meursault doesn't do this to others. So an existentialist might ask, 'Why is there a defined 'right' way to grieve and what if I don't feel like grieving that way?'
I agree with what you said and find it really interesting that some may think he is a sociopath for the way he grieves, but really there is not correct way to grieve. I think people judge other for the way they react to certain situations, and often perceive ones reaction as wrong, if it goes again the norm of society.
ReplyDeleteI think that is a great point on the note of Meursault's grieving. However, I still think he is a sociopath because throughout the book there were many instances where he showed an absolute disconnect from himself and others. He showed no empathy to Marie anytime she opened up to him, and he admitted he killed the Arab just because of the sun, not because he cut his friend. He seems to be only concerned by himself and he is the owner of his own world.
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