9 - Indifference

 While The Stranger explores the application of indifference in the form of Meursault, it seems like the book is mainly critical of such types of thinking, as we see how Meursault is affected by his world view to the point in which he is in prison. It is apparent from the start of the novel that Meursault does not harbor serious feeling toward Maman as he does not remember when she died, being more annoyed at the rays of the sun rather than focusing on the procession. His relationship with Marie is one-sided as Meursault does not have strong feelings about getting married and only notes her features while Marie is interested in a marriage between her and Meursault. He gets into prison for killing an Arab, but he seems to be more preoccupied with the legal consequences rather than the moral one. 

The point in which we see how the larger public views Meursault is seen in the courts, particularly when his defendants tried to present arguments in favor of Meursault being innocent. Marie recollects how she spent time with him after Maman’s funeral which only stokes the flames of outrage as the jury see Meursault as a sociopath. Ironically enough, Meursault says that this time was one of the very rare moments when he felt like crying due to how the jury hated him, his defenders not even having much to say on his personality rather than claims of unfortunate circumstances. 


I find this point in the story interesting as it may reflect on Camus’ thoughts on existentialism, with the idea of needing some sort of order to face moral evil. In this case, the court could reflect the principles of existentialism as we see an organized resistance against the indifference of Meursault and the need to face against the moral evil of his passive ideas. The interrogator calls Meursault “antichrist” as his ideas goes against the very ideas of the normal worldview, perhaps reflecting Camus’ own thoughts. 

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