Symbol
"I drank the coffee, and then I wanted a cigarette. But I wasn’t sure if I should smoke, under the circumstances—in Mother’s presence. I thought it over; really, it didn’t seem to matter, so I offered the keeper a cigarette, and we both smoked." (Camus 7)
Cigarettes in The Stranger are present throughout the entire novel, although Meursault's attitude towards them changes after a stay in prison. Cigarettes represent the freedom Meursault once had and delighted in.
Caricature
"Goldstein without a painful mixture of emotions. It was a lean Jewish face, with a
great fuzzy aureole of white hair and a small goatee beard — a clever face, and
yet somehow inherently despicable, with a kind of senile silliness in the long thin
nose, near the end of which a pair of spectacles was perched. It resembled the
face of a sheep, and the voice, too, had a sheep-like quality" (Orwell 6-7)
This quote takes place during the Two-Minutes Hate where Goldstein is present on the screen. Although compared to a sheep in this quote, the image and sound of his voice changes into a literal sheep near the climax of the event. This exaggeration of Goldstein's features was used by Orwell to reveal that manipulative techniques used by the Party to control its subjects.
Oxymoron
"WAR IS PEACE, FREEDOM IS SLAVERY, IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH" (Orwell 2)
This is the Party slogan. War is the polar opposite of peace and one cannot be a free slave. Ignorance being strength is questionable however.
Repetition
"That is the world that we are preparing, Winston. A world of victory after victory, triumph after triumph after triumph: an endless pressing, pressing, pressing upon the nerve of power." (Orwell 155)
This is O'Brien's response to Winston concerning the Party's constant accumulation of power. The repetition of victory, triumph and pressing parallels the torture methods used by the Ministry of Love. Constantly repeating something over and over to make a point or force it.
Juxtaposition
“Janie’s first dream was dead, so she became a woman.” (Hurston 25)
Do I really need to go into this? I covered it in my IOP... Ah well, here we go. This line happened soon after Janie's marriage to Logan Killicks. Earlier in the book, it was said that the dream was the source of life for women. Janie's dream died, and so she as a person died. But came back to life when "she became a woman.", coming of age sort of connotation. Life and death are being compared here.
Hyperbole
"He was falling backwards, into enormous depths, away from the rats. He was
still strapped in the chair, but he had fallen through the floor, through the walls
of the building, through the earth, through the oceans, through the atmosphere,
into outer space, into the gulfs between the stars — always away, away, away
from the rats." (Orwell 166)
This is in the last few moments Winston spends in the Ministry of Love, where he avoids having hungry rats eat his face by begging for the punishment to be sent to Julia. The exaggeration was meant to emphasis the overwhelming sense of relief Winston felt.
Personification
"The wondrous peace of that sleeping summer flowed through me like a tide." (Camus 122)
This is one of the last lines in The Stranger, after Meursault's outburst directed towards the chaplain. A few aspects of Meursault's life can be linked to this quote. He is very soon about to enter an eternal sleep, also known as death, and feeling peaceful is something he often experienced while swimming in the ocean.
Parallel Structure
"He was abusing Big Brother, he was denouncing the dictatorship of the Party, he was demanding the immediate conclusion of peace with Eurasia, he was advocating freedom
of speech, freedom of the Press, freedom of assembly, freedom of thought, he
was crying hysterically that the revolution had been betrayed" (Orwell 7)
This was a description of the video played at the Two Minutes hate. An absolutely huge sentence that has a pattern of 'he was's.
Assonance
"I had a hard time waking up on Sunday, and Marie had to call me and shake me." (Camus 47)
This sentence is using assonance of the letter 'a' to make waking up seem so harsh and to the point. Also, the 'call me and shake me' rolls of the tongue well, and I imagine that line being said with a little bit of a 'whiny' tone.
Motif
"BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU" (Orwell 1)
This line pops up all over the place, and Big Brother is referenced all over the book. In fact, he is quite central to the Party in the fact that he represents the entire Party and all the love of the people is directed at him and therefore the Party as well.
Chronology
"Maman died today." (Camus 1)
The very first sentence in The Stranger. The Stranger follows a very linear progression of events, but this is the event that set all the rest in motion.
Structure
"Despite my willingness to understand, I just couldn't accept such arrogant certainty. Because, after all, there really was something ridiculously out of proportion between the verdict such certainty was based on and the imperturbable march of events from the moment the verdict was announced." (Camus 109)
This was spoken by Meursault on the topic of the chaplain. Throughout the entire book, there are many short sentences that precede long ones, or sometimes even the other way around. One serves to summarize an idea or conclude it, and the other serves to describe said idea or present it in a detailed form.
Ambiguity
"The trigger gave; I felt the smooth underside of the butt; and there, in that noise, sharp and deafening at the same time, is where it all started." (Camus 59)
This line is talking about how Meursault shot the Arab. The ambiguity comes in the fact that Meursault never reveals why he murdered the Arab.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
1984 - Journal #2
To Karl:
I like what you saw concerning the numbers in this selection. I always think back to mathematics when I see numbers, and almost everything in mathemathics has a definite yes or no answer. I'd argue you could compare that precision to the society of 1984, where everything runs like a clock. Each day is relatively the same!
To Corinne:
I have to say, this is probably the most thorough analysis I have seen so far. Then again, your work is always top notch so I don't know why I'm surprised. Anyway, I remember hearing something about how Britain's economy died at one point and they needed to turn off electricity at specific times each day to make ends meet (somewhat). I'd have to check dates, but it was around the time the sterling lost it's status as the reserve currency.
To Katey:
Nicely done, linking the color to value. Everything seems so dull compared to those Big Brother posters which really stand out. Maybe that's the point The Party is trying to drive. Big Brother is more important than where you live or what you live in. Even though he might not exist, the deeper message is what he represents: loyalty to the party.
I like what you saw concerning the numbers in this selection. I always think back to mathematics when I see numbers, and almost everything in mathemathics has a definite yes or no answer. I'd argue you could compare that precision to the society of 1984, where everything runs like a clock. Each day is relatively the same!
To Corinne:
I have to say, this is probably the most thorough analysis I have seen so far. Then again, your work is always top notch so I don't know why I'm surprised. Anyway, I remember hearing something about how Britain's economy died at one point and they needed to turn off electricity at specific times each day to make ends meet (somewhat). I'd have to check dates, but it was around the time the sterling lost it's status as the reserve currency.
To Katey:
Nicely done, linking the color to value. Everything seems so dull compared to those Big Brother posters which really stand out. Maybe that's the point The Party is trying to drive. Big Brother is more important than where you live or what you live in. Even though he might not exist, the deeper message is what he represents: loyalty to the party.
Monday, October 24, 2011
1984 - Journal #1
"The hallway smelt of boiled cabbage and rag mats. At one end of it a colored poster, too large for indoor display, had been tacked to the wall. It depicted simply an enormous face, more than a meter wide: the face of a man of about forty-five, with a heavy black mustache and ruggedly handsome features. Winston made for the stairs. It was no use trying the lift. Even at the best of times it was seldom working, and at present the electric current was cut off during daylight hours. It was part of the economy drive in preparation for Hate Week. The flat was seven flights up, and Winston, who was thirty-nine, and had a varicose ulcer above his right ankle, went slowly, resting several times on the way. On each landing opposite the lift shaft, the poster with the enormous face gazed from the wall. It was one of those pictures which are so contrived that the eyes follow you about when you move. Big Brother Is Watching You, the caption beneath it ran." (Orwell 1)
Well, let's go through this one line at at time.
"The hallway smelt of boiled cabbage and rag mats" is not only olfactory imagery. I interpreted the hallways as possible being humid because of the word 'boiled'.
"A colored poster too large for indoor display". This line does mention the word color, but not which ones. For the most part, the entire selection is devoid of vibrant colors making the world of 1984 seem bland.
"It depicted simply an enormous face, more than a meter wide: the face of a man of about forty-five, with a heavy black mustache and ruggedly handsome features."
Not exactly that massive of a poster. I don't know why, but I always thought of Stalin when I heard this description. I did some research, and it turns out Big Brother may have been based off a man name Herbert Kitchener. An Irish Earl who played an important part in World War One. He had recruitment posters that had his face on it, but said "Your Country Needs You!" written on them.
"It was part of the economy drive in preparation for Hate Week."
Hate Week? When I first started reading the book I was rather lost as to what this could mean. Winston almost expects you to understand all the terminology right away!
"The flat was seven flights up, and Winston, who was thirty-nine, and had a varicose ulcer above his right ankle, went slowly, resting several times on the way."
A varicose ulcer are wounds caused by increased pressure in veins due to malfunctioning venous valves. You get it because of bad circulation of blood. Reflection of Winston's hard work perhaps?
"On each landing opposite the lift shaft, the poster with the enormous face gazed from the wall. It was one of those pictures which are so contrived that the eyes follow you about when you move. Big Brother Is Watching You, the caption beneath it ran."
The exact methods the Party uses to spy on everyone is mostly left unknown, but I think it's fair to say the posters are designed to constantly remind people that although the poster is not watching you (or maybe it is), something else probably is. At the same time, it can be interpreted a different way by characters in the novel. Maybe some of them like Big Brother and it comforts them to think someone is watching out for them all the time. Like a big brother!
Well, let's go through this one line at at time.
"The hallway smelt of boiled cabbage and rag mats" is not only olfactory imagery. I interpreted the hallways as possible being humid because of the word 'boiled'.
"A colored poster too large for indoor display". This line does mention the word color, but not which ones. For the most part, the entire selection is devoid of vibrant colors making the world of 1984 seem bland.
"It depicted simply an enormous face, more than a meter wide: the face of a man of about forty-five, with a heavy black mustache and ruggedly handsome features."
Not exactly that massive of a poster. I don't know why, but I always thought of Stalin when I heard this description. I did some research, and it turns out Big Brother may have been based off a man name Herbert Kitchener. An Irish Earl who played an important part in World War One. He had recruitment posters that had his face on it, but said "Your Country Needs You!" written on them.
"It was part of the economy drive in preparation for Hate Week."
Hate Week? When I first started reading the book I was rather lost as to what this could mean. Winston almost expects you to understand all the terminology right away!
"The flat was seven flights up, and Winston, who was thirty-nine, and had a varicose ulcer above his right ankle, went slowly, resting several times on the way."
A varicose ulcer are wounds caused by increased pressure in veins due to malfunctioning venous valves. You get it because of bad circulation of blood. Reflection of Winston's hard work perhaps?
"On each landing opposite the lift shaft, the poster with the enormous face gazed from the wall. It was one of those pictures which are so contrived that the eyes follow you about when you move. Big Brother Is Watching You, the caption beneath it ran."
The exact methods the Party uses to spy on everyone is mostly left unknown, but I think it's fair to say the posters are designed to constantly remind people that although the poster is not watching you (or maybe it is), something else probably is. At the same time, it can be interpreted a different way by characters in the novel. Maybe some of them like Big Brother and it comforts them to think someone is watching out for them all the time. Like a big brother!
Thursday, October 20, 2011
The Stranger - Journal #4
How in the world did I miss this one...
Anyway, here is what was going through my head the night before the group discussion:
“Then I felt like having a smoke. But I hesitated because I didn’t know if I could do it with Maman right there. I thought about it; it didn’t matter.” page 8
In the first part of the book, he has very few desires that he cannot achieve. Smoking, woman, sleep, food. As a result, the theory of the unconscious does not fully apply to him. Sure he can get hungry and the result would be him wanting to find food, but nothing that he wants is really barred from him in any way.
“I worked hard at the office today. The boss was nice. He asked me if I wasn’t too tired and he also wanted to know Maman’s age.” Page 25
“And, naturally, my boss thought about the fact that I’d be getting four days’ vacation that way, including Sunday, and he couldn’t have been happy about that” Page 19
Relaxed life. Plenty of vacation time and less work hours per week, but still very productive.
The Holocaust was a genocide program that killed six million european jews and millions of other people for different reasons.
“That evening Marie came by to see me and asked me if I wanted to marry her. I said it didn’t make any difference to me and that we could if she wanted to” (page 41)
People could have stopped the Holocaust. Thus, indifference is a societal inhibition.
Anyway, here is what was going through my head the night before the group discussion:
“Then I felt like having a smoke. But I hesitated because I didn’t know if I could do it with Maman right there. I thought about it; it didn’t matter.” page 8
In the first part of the book, he has very few desires that he cannot achieve. Smoking, woman, sleep, food. As a result, the theory of the unconscious does not fully apply to him. Sure he can get hungry and the result would be him wanting to find food, but nothing that he wants is really barred from him in any way.
“I worked hard at the office today. The boss was nice. He asked me if I wasn’t too tired and he also wanted to know Maman’s age.” Page 25
“And, naturally, my boss thought about the fact that I’d be getting four days’ vacation that way, including Sunday, and he couldn’t have been happy about that” Page 19
Relaxed life. Plenty of vacation time and less work hours per week, but still very productive.
The Holocaust was a genocide program that killed six million european jews and millions of other people for different reasons.
“That evening Marie came by to see me and asked me if I wanted to marry her. I said it didn’t make any difference to me and that we could if she wanted to” (page 41)
People could have stopped the Holocaust. Thus, indifference is a societal inhibition.
The Stranger - Cultural Journal Compiliation
I tracked Meursault's cigarettes throughout these first two chapters. They are all over the novel, but from the very beginning those cigarettes are being part of his character. Where ever he is, funeral or home, he is smoking.
"I drank the coffee,and then I wanted a cigarette. But I wasn’t sure if I should smoke, under the circumstances—in Mother’s presence. I thought it over; really, it didn’t seem to matter, so I offered the keeper a cigarette, and we both smoked." (7)
This passage develops Meursault's apathetic stance towards social norms, such as showing grief and respect at one's mother's funeral!
"I slept until ten. After that I stayed in bed until noon, smoking cigarettes."
His life seems rather boring. For two whole hours he smoked cigarettes. Either he was savoring them or chain smoking for 'entertainment'.
"The first few days were really tough. That may be the thing that was hardest for me. I would suck on chips of wood that I broke off my bed planks."
Meursault likes his cigarettes. Is it addiction or the sole fact that he is denied something he had as a free man? Probably a mixture of both.
"The policemen told me we had to wait for the judges and one of them offered me a cigarette, which I turned down"
I believe this is the last mention of cigarettes in the novel. I am probably mistaken, but another re-read will prove it. Anyway, ever after Meursault is offered a part of his free life back he rejects it. Indifference is quite the powerful little tool.
"I drank the coffee,and then I wanted a cigarette. But I wasn’t sure if I should smoke, under the circumstances—in Mother’s presence. I thought it over; really, it didn’t seem to matter, so I offered the keeper a cigarette, and we both smoked." (7)
This passage develops Meursault's apathetic stance towards social norms, such as showing grief and respect at one's mother's funeral!
"I slept until ten. After that I stayed in bed until noon, smoking cigarettes."
His life seems rather boring. For two whole hours he smoked cigarettes. Either he was savoring them or chain smoking for 'entertainment'.
"The first few days were really tough. That may be the thing that was hardest for me. I would suck on chips of wood that I broke off my bed planks."
Meursault likes his cigarettes. Is it addiction or the sole fact that he is denied something he had as a free man? Probably a mixture of both.
"The policemen told me we had to wait for the judges and one of them offered me a cigarette, which I turned down"
I believe this is the last mention of cigarettes in the novel. I am probably mistaken, but another re-read will prove it. Anyway, ever after Meursault is offered a part of his free life back he rejects it. Indifference is quite the powerful little tool.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
The Stranger - Journal #6
1. I spend my days watching how the dwindling of color turns day into night.
2. What really counted was the possibility of escape, a leap to freedom, out of the implacable ritual, a wild run for it that would give whatever chance for hope there was.
3. But I think it was a mistake to even consider the possibility
4.It was a mistake to let myself get carried away by such imaginings.
5. But naturally, you can't always be reasonable
6. There were two other tings I was always thinking about: the dawn and my appeal.
7. And so I spent my nights waiting for that dawn.
8. All day long there was the thought of my appeal
9. I was lying down, and I could tell from the golden glow in the sky that evening was coming on.
10. I was pardoned.
2. What really counted was the possibility of escape, a leap to freedom, out of the implacable ritual, a wild run for it that would give whatever chance for hope there was.
3. But I think it was a mistake to even consider the possibility
4.It was a mistake to let myself get carried away by such imaginings.
5. But naturally, you can't always be reasonable
6. There were two other tings I was always thinking about: the dawn and my appeal.
7. And so I spent my nights waiting for that dawn.
8. All day long there was the thought of my appeal
9. I was lying down, and I could tell from the golden glow in the sky that evening was coming on.
10. I was pardoned.
The Stranger- Journal #5
There really is only one thing I noticed change upon reaching Part 2. Dialogue from characters began to grow longer.
In Part 1, Meursault would often describe what characters were saying rather then quoting them. In Part 2, he would quote very large amounts of what people said. Such as the Prosecutor and the Defense.
I see this is Meursault developing some level of interest in what people have to say (an exception being when he gets bored of listening to the prosecutor), mainly because a lot of it is directly affecting the future of his life, and much more complex in nature to summarize. Meursault likes keeping life simple, as evidenced by his acceptance of a court appointed judge, so it makes sense he would just repeat what others had to say compared to thinking about it and extracting meaning from it himself.
"and I do so with a heart at ease. For if in the course of what has been a long career I have ha occasion to call for the death penalty, never as strongly as today have I felt this painful duty made easier, lighter, clearer by the certain knowledge of a sacred imperative and by the horror I feel when I look into a man's face and all I see is a monster." (102)
Wow. Putting this through the sieve that is Meursault's mind would take away so much power and meaning from this statement.
In Part 1, Meursault would often describe what characters were saying rather then quoting them. In Part 2, he would quote very large amounts of what people said. Such as the Prosecutor and the Defense.
I see this is Meursault developing some level of interest in what people have to say (an exception being when he gets bored of listening to the prosecutor), mainly because a lot of it is directly affecting the future of his life, and much more complex in nature to summarize. Meursault likes keeping life simple, as evidenced by his acceptance of a court appointed judge, so it makes sense he would just repeat what others had to say compared to thinking about it and extracting meaning from it himself.
"and I do so with a heart at ease. For if in the course of what has been a long career I have ha occasion to call for the death penalty, never as strongly as today have I felt this painful duty made easier, lighter, clearer by the certain knowledge of a sacred imperative and by the horror I feel when I look into a man's face and all I see is a monster." (102)
Wow. Putting this through the sieve that is Meursault's mind would take away so much power and meaning from this statement.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
The Stranger - Journal #3
Defining the words is crucial in understanding them, so here we go
The Stranger:
Stranger: 1. A person whom one does not know or with whom one is not familiar
2. A person who does not know, or is not known in, a particular place or
community
Well, Meursault seems so open to us as readers, but how much do the characters actually know about him? I do not believe the second definition applies nearly as much, and I highly doubt he is unfamiliar with the community. He pays enough attention to know about Salamano after all. I'd say the purpose for naming this novel 'The Stranger' was to give off a sense of the unknown. This ties in with the 'absurdist' way of thinking we researched, where finding an answer to everything is impossible. If there is one, it isn't known and there might not be one. Who knows.
The Outsider:
Outsider: 1. A person who does not belong to a particular group.
2. A person not accepted by or isolated from society
I personally find this title to be more meaningful than the other two. I mentioned this in journal one, but Meursault is the guy who just doesn't fit in. He may take sides, but even then he's not really putting forth much of an effort to drive the principles in his mind. Meursault seems to be accepted by society, evidenced by the 'friendships' he develops in the first part of the story. The title of 'The Outsider' becomes much more significant in the second part of the novel.
The Foreigner:
Foreigner: 1. A person born in or coming from a country other than one's own.
2. A stranger or outsider
This is in interesting title, as it encompasses the other two. The first term really cannot be taken literally, but when I think of a foreigner I imagine a person with different beliefs, customs, mannerisms, languages etc. Again, someone who just doesn't fit in for one reason or another.
The Stranger:
Stranger: 1. A person whom one does not know or with whom one is not familiar
2. A person who does not know, or is not known in, a particular place or
community
Well, Meursault seems so open to us as readers, but how much do the characters actually know about him? I do not believe the second definition applies nearly as much, and I highly doubt he is unfamiliar with the community. He pays enough attention to know about Salamano after all. I'd say the purpose for naming this novel 'The Stranger' was to give off a sense of the unknown. This ties in with the 'absurdist' way of thinking we researched, where finding an answer to everything is impossible. If there is one, it isn't known and there might not be one. Who knows.
The Outsider:
Outsider: 1. A person who does not belong to a particular group.
2. A person not accepted by or isolated from society
I personally find this title to be more meaningful than the other two. I mentioned this in journal one, but Meursault is the guy who just doesn't fit in. He may take sides, but even then he's not really putting forth much of an effort to drive the principles in his mind. Meursault seems to be accepted by society, evidenced by the 'friendships' he develops in the first part of the story. The title of 'The Outsider' becomes much more significant in the second part of the novel.
The Foreigner:
Foreigner: 1. A person born in or coming from a country other than one's own.
2. A stranger or outsider
This is in interesting title, as it encompasses the other two. The first term really cannot be taken literally, but when I think of a foreigner I imagine a person with different beliefs, customs, mannerisms, languages etc. Again, someone who just doesn't fit in for one reason or another.
The Stranger - Journal #2
Minor Characters!
Thomas Perez:
This poor, old man represents what most sons would feel upon the death of their mothers. Seeing as Meursault does not feel that way, the inclusion of characters such as Thomas Perez serve as the 'grief' that Meursault should be feeling. Since he does not, the best alternative would be to describe how others felt. This also makes Meursault the guy that stands out in the group of funeral attendees. This plays a larger role later in the novel during the trial.
Meursault's Boss:
Not the nicest guy, seeing as he seemed rather upset Meursault was getting a four day holiday. But he obeys social norms such as offering condolences to the tragedy stricken party: Meursault!
Salamano:
The dog abuser! I find it interesting that Meursault believed that Salamano's treatment of the dog was not 'disgusting'. If beating, cursing at and other nasty things isn't 'disgusting', then what is 'bad' by Meursault's standards? Scary thought.
Thomas Perez:
This poor, old man represents what most sons would feel upon the death of their mothers. Seeing as Meursault does not feel that way, the inclusion of characters such as Thomas Perez serve as the 'grief' that Meursault should be feeling. Since he does not, the best alternative would be to describe how others felt. This also makes Meursault the guy that stands out in the group of funeral attendees. This plays a larger role later in the novel during the trial.
Meursault's Boss:
Not the nicest guy, seeing as he seemed rather upset Meursault was getting a four day holiday. But he obeys social norms such as offering condolences to the tragedy stricken party: Meursault!
Salamano:
The dog abuser! I find it interesting that Meursault believed that Salamano's treatment of the dog was not 'disgusting'. If beating, cursing at and other nasty things isn't 'disgusting', then what is 'bad' by Meursault's standards? Scary thought.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
The Stranger - Journal #1
This is general than specific, but when Meursault comes across problems, usually minor, his best solution is to ignore it.
A Few Examples being:
" The rest of the flat was never used, so I didn’t trouble to look after it." (Camus 15)
Not so much a 'problem', but interesting that he would bother mentioning it. Then again, Meursault makes a habit of bringing minor details to light.
"So I fried some eggs and ate them off the pan. I did without bread as there wasn’t any left, and I couldn’t be bothered going down to buy it" (15)
Oh look, no bread left. Ah well, who needs bread when I have eggs! Not a problem anymore since I don't need bread!
"It struck me that I’d better see about some dinner. I had been leaning so long on
the back of my chair, looking down, that my neck hurt when I straightened myself
up. I went down, bought some bread and spaghetti, did my cooking, and ate my meal
standing" (17)
Yup, now I feel like having bread. Meursault just does things on a whim apparently.
I believe Camus made Meursault's personality bland as to eliminate biased thought processes. By not caring/taking sides, Meursault becomes "The Stranger", or the guy who just doesn't fit in. At times he does takes sides, such as with Raymond's situation(s) later in the novel, but even then he performs those favors without emotion. He falsely testified against someone who was beat up by Raymond!
I tracked Meursault's cigarettes throughout these first two chapters. They are all over the novel, but from the very beginning those cigarettes are being part of his character. Where ever he is, funeral or home, he is smoking.
"I drank the coffee,and then I wanted a cigarette. But I wasn’t sure if I should smoke, under the circumstances—in Mother’s presence. I thought it over; really, it didn’t seem to matter, so I offered the keeper a cigarette, and we both smoked." (7)
This passage develops Meursault's apathetic stance towards social norms, such as showing grief and respect at one's mother's funeral!
"I slept until ten. After that I stayed in bed until noon, smoking cigarettes."
His life seems rather boring. For two whole hours he smoked cigarettes. Either he was savoring them or chain smoking for 'entertainment'.
A Few Examples being:
" The rest of the flat was never used, so I didn’t trouble to look after it." (Camus 15)
Not so much a 'problem', but interesting that he would bother mentioning it. Then again, Meursault makes a habit of bringing minor details to light.
"So I fried some eggs and ate them off the pan. I did without bread as there wasn’t any left, and I couldn’t be bothered going down to buy it" (15)
Oh look, no bread left. Ah well, who needs bread when I have eggs! Not a problem anymore since I don't need bread!
"It struck me that I’d better see about some dinner. I had been leaning so long on
the back of my chair, looking down, that my neck hurt when I straightened myself
up. I went down, bought some bread and spaghetti, did my cooking, and ate my meal
standing" (17)
Yup, now I feel like having bread. Meursault just does things on a whim apparently.
I believe Camus made Meursault's personality bland as to eliminate biased thought processes. By not caring/taking sides, Meursault becomes "The Stranger", or the guy who just doesn't fit in. At times he does takes sides, such as with Raymond's situation(s) later in the novel, but even then he performs those favors without emotion. He falsely testified against someone who was beat up by Raymond!
I tracked Meursault's cigarettes throughout these first two chapters. They are all over the novel, but from the very beginning those cigarettes are being part of his character. Where ever he is, funeral or home, he is smoking.
"I drank the coffee,and then I wanted a cigarette. But I wasn’t sure if I should smoke, under the circumstances—in Mother’s presence. I thought it over; really, it didn’t seem to matter, so I offered the keeper a cigarette, and we both smoked." (7)
This passage develops Meursault's apathetic stance towards social norms, such as showing grief and respect at one's mother's funeral!
"I slept until ten. After that I stayed in bed until noon, smoking cigarettes."
His life seems rather boring. For two whole hours he smoked cigarettes. Either he was savoring them or chain smoking for 'entertainment'.
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