Book 1 Chapter 3

DETACHED OBSERVER PASSES NO JUDGMENT

"I didn't say anything, and he asked me again if i wanted to be pals." (pg.29)

This quote represents the main theme of this chapter which deals with Meursault and his inability to become personal with those around him. He does not judge when he explains how Salamano beats his dog, he even agrees to help Raymond with mistreating his mistress. This makes Camus look like a genius. To write so distantly from the prespective of his character is a gift. Most writers feel the need to become personal and transcribe their thoughts throught their characters. Camus has achieved a distance in a way which most readers cannot relate to, and this borders on a theme of absurdity. Salamano and his dog's relationship relates to the relationships of Meursault and how he cannot love because, to him, it does not matter. Is this because we are all going to die anyways? This makes me wonder are emotions rational? Camus is saying that Meursault does not conduct his life "wrongly" he is saying that he does not know how to best make the most of his existence. Meursault has learned that life is meaningless however has refused to deal with the absurdity of his journey (life). We also learn that physical stimuli overcomes Meursault's emotional persona. While speaking to Raymond he even agrees and justifies him mistreating his girlfriend, because Raymond's problem simply does not matter however Camus makes note of how the wine has affected Meursault and how he has less control over his actions and in a way becomes numb. Does society create this 'numbness' in us? If these physical affects come into our spirits so easily, why is it we must be emotional when appropiate? Camus makes the reader think about us versus society. Camus does a brilliant job at letting us critically think about the way Meursault conducts his life.