The Stranger Change of Mersault
In The Stranger, author Albert Camus contrasts his protagonist Meursault's expectations to societal expectations. Camus creates a character who initially wants to please society; however, ultimately realizes that his own standards are the only true standards. Meursault's reflection period in the prison causes him to change from being insecure to resolute in his beliefs. This shift is portrayed through changes in his attachment to friends and changes in his reaction to authority. Meursault's response to authority, initially, was malleable; however, after his time in prison, his response becomes resolute as he becomes confident in his beliefs. When asked a question, he gives neutral responses to please authority figures because speaking what he really believes would be condemned by society. For example, when Meursault asks his boss for two days off, "[He] even said, 'It's not my fault'" (3). He says this to appease his boss, despite his internal belief that "[his boss] is the one who should have offered his condolences" (3). Later that week, his boss offers him a proposition to go work in Paris. His boss attempts to persuade him by saying, "You're young, and it seems to me it's the kind of life that would appeal to you" (41) Meu
He recognizes anything of value can only be determined by himself. Celeste's sincere attempt to help Meursault in the court is responded to with gratitude, as Meursault admits that it is "the first time" (93) that he has "ever wanted to kiss a man"(93). He assumes the director will reprimanded him for leaving his mother, his boss will reprimand him for taking time off and for not accepting enthusiastically a new job offer, so he replies vaguely and hesitantly to cover his true indifference. Because he is deprived of physical pleasures in jail, he learns appreciate when his friends come to his aid. Thus, he has no longer needs to please authority figures; therefore, he asserts his own beliefs. [his] participation," and, therefore, wants to "break in. Thus, when he has nothing to lose after the shooting, he actively asserts his beliefs. After he is in prison, Meursault becomes active in asserting his beliefs. At the trial, Meursault realizes that his "fate [is] being decided. Meursault's feelings for Marie also deepen after his imprisonment. In the beginning of the book, Mersault seeks to please authority because outwardly they were in unison. The lack of Marie, therefore, causes Meursault to reevaluate his relationship with her.
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