Feb 15 Homework

Part 1 Chapter 5

In this chapter, I think we are getting foreshadowing right off the start. “He’d been followed all day by a group of Arabs, one of whom was the brother of his former mistress. ‘if you see him hanging around the building when you get home this evening, let me know’” (Pg. 40) This quote made me think that the Arabs that are mentioned will have something to do with Meursault; and maybe Raymond or himself will face the Arabs in some kind of situation. Another quote that demonstrates foreshadowing is the following. “I said that people never change their lives, that I any case one life was as good as another and that I wasn’t dissatisfied mine here at all.” (Pg. 41) I would say that this satisfaction Meursault speaks of will be broken since he, as a character, has to undergo through some kind of change. We learn that he accepts his reality and doesn’t want it to change, but I think that something will happen that will force him into changing his personality.

In these six pages we also learn about the relationship Salamano had with his dog and how losing it has affected him. Meursault listens to him and, in a way, tries to help his neighbor showing a slight sense of understanding. During this conversation I managed to pick up a very interesting quote, “…he knew me and he knew I loved her very much.” (Pg. 45) This quote serves as evidence of Meursault’s love towards his mother. Before this I thought that Meursault couldn’t care less about his mother, but with this quote, he admits that he truly loved her.

As for the things to come, I hope that Meursault will suffer some kind of change, making him a more dynamic character. Other than this, the novel progresses in a fluent and enjoyable manner.