Free College Essays - Indifference in The Stranger by Albert Camus :: The Stranger The Outsider

Indifference in Camus’  The Stranger (The Outsider)  Ã‚     Albert Camus’ novel, The Stranger, examines what happens to a passive man when mixed in a murder.   During the trial of the main character, Meursault, the prosecutor examines Meursault’s normal behavior as callous and cold.   In order for the prosecutor to have a case in the reader’s mind, Camus must create the past that the trial calls for.   Camus shows a passive man, and the way that he deals with normal life occurrences.   Camus must create a portrait of indifference.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   When Meursault is talking to Raymond Sintes, a neighbor of his, Raymond tells his tales of violence and asks Meursault for advice.   Meursault seems withdrawn during his time with Raymond.   Raymond had actually asked Meursault into his room so that he may ask Meursault’s opinion: â€Å"because I was a man, I knew about things, I could help him out, and then we’d be pals.†Ã‚   (Camus, 29)   Meursault remains quiet in the conversation, but eventually does speak up: â€Å"I didn’t say anything, and he asked me again if I wanted to be pals.   I said it was fine with me: he seemed pleased.†Ã‚   (Camus, 29)   It really made no difference to Meursault if he was stated as a friend of Raymond’s or not.   The way that Meursault does not contribute to the conversation and that it is just â€Å"fine with [him]† to be friends creates an image of indifference.   This image continues to grow as Raymond continues to talk to Meursault.   Raymond goes on to tell of his problems with women, and Meursault still remains silent.   After his Raymond’s confessions are over he once again thanks Meursault for being a pal: â€Å"I didn’t mind being his pal, and he seemed set on it.† (Camus, 33) Once again, Meursault’s attitude makes it seem that he doesn’t really care if he is Raymond’s pal.   It has no effect of him, but it will help out Raymond, so he’ll be his pal.     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   When Meursault is asked to deal with serious relationship questions and issues, he shows his indifference again.   Because Meursault becomes romantically involved with Marie, she eventually asks him if he loves her, â€Å"I told her it didn’t mean anything but that I didn’t think so.† (Camus, 35) This seems to be a very cold response to a question that is taken seriously, but M was telling the truth.   It didn’t really matter to him.