In Part Two of the novel we have ‘The Stranger’ – Meursault arrested for what he has done. He tells the magistrate that his case is ‘very simple’ while being interrogated and constantly gives unreliable answers. Throughout the chapters the untrustworthy narrator gives us a single point of view, which seems a bit bias. The stranger doesn’t want his examinable life to be examined. We also learn the religion views of the author, and the stranger in this case. When the magistrate pulls a religion thing with him by showing him a crucifix he doesn’t react at all, at tells him he does not believe in God!
For the very first time in his life, Meursault feels like a part of something important, a part of a group. Everyone looks at him for answers and he feels like he has the center of all attention. However, this only happens in court séances. When he is in the cell, his biggest difficulty is how to kill time. Nevertheless, he manages to do quite well by counting objects/details, remembering memories, and mostly sleeping.
There’s a lot of inconsistency in his character. He is often distracted by little details that are completely meaningless. While going through different court séances and testifies he finally has an emotional response, when Celeste testifies. There is a weird ending on the third chapter, when he thinks about the past – all the memoires, sun, beaches, all the feelings, senses as a free man. And thinks about where he is right now, the prison – sees it as an important chapter in his life and maybe begins to think like a prisoner.
No comments:
Post a Comment