Feb 14 Homework

Part 1 Chapter 4

In this chapter we obtain more information concerning character development. Meursault’s relationship with Marie has gotten more serious and demands more of his input, emotionally. In one instance, we see him craving her body, “I wanted her so bad when I saw her in that pretty red-and-white striped dress and leather sandals” (Pg. 34), in other occasions, she asks him if he loves her, and he avoids the question saying that it didn’t mean anything; as shown by the following quote: “A minute later she asked me if I loved her. I told her it didn’t mean anything but that I didn’t think so.” (Pg.35)

Another aspect of Meursault’s personality that is new to us was his position concerning Raymond’s violence towards the Arab girl. “I told him it seemed to me that she’d gotten her punishment now and he ought to be happy.” (Pg. 37) Being that it is a rather harsh point of view towards domestic violence, we see that the protagonist begins to show his opinion on matters that shouldn’t concern him. This behavior is also displayed when Salamano comes to him for advice on how to find his lost dog. Instead of blowing Salamano off, he provides places where the dog could be.

An interesting part of this chapter has to do with a very small fragment where Meursault says that he dislikes cops, “… and besides I didn’t like cops.” (Pg. 37) This quote made me raise some questions concerning Meursault’s past life. Has he done something illegal? Did he do time in prison? This behavior is only related to criminals.