The Theme of Isolation in Waiting for Godot and The Stranger
             Isolation is not a unique theme in novels or plays. It may be found under many different guises. Isolation can be physical, determined by concrete boundaries, emotional, or spiritual. Race, social development, and even personality can cause isolation. Waiting for Godot and The Stranger display varying degrees and types of isolation. The objective of this essay is to analyze the effects of isolation on the characters, and the type of isolation in each.
             In The Stranger, the character Meursault, a young man who lives alone in an apartment, and is blunt and emotionally detached, which only adds to his isolation. Meursault is intelligent and educated, holding a steady job to which he is extremely dedicated. Most chapters begin with a reference to work. At the beginning of chapter two Meursault was concerned that his boss would be upset that he missed work to go to his mother's funeral. Chapter three began, "I worked hard at the office today" (25). Meursault's job means a great deal to him. We may infer that he is skilled at his profession, as his boss asks him if he would like to work in Paris. Although Meursault is bright, he lacks the skills of social interaction. He refuses to ask questions, not due to timidity, but rather from disinterest. When he is asked a question, he answers without genuine interest, almost harshly. When Marie asks him if he loves her, he tells the reader, "I told [Marie] it didn't mean anything but that I didn't think so. [Marie] looked sad" (35). These qualities create a deep chasm which separates him from building healthy relationships and interacting with the bulk of society.
             Meursault lacks emotion, and can be lazy, which are major weaknesses. An example of this is when his lawyer and the magistrate are interviewing Meursault in regards to his crime. His lawyer expects Meursault to say ...