Could Meursault have prevented it?

The Stranger

Chapters 3-4 Part 2 (Pg. 83-107)

Do not wait for the last judgment. It takes place every day.

-Albert Camus

August 30, 2007

5:45 P.M

please indent This section portrays Meursault's trial and sentencing. Keeping in mind the quote above, I came to the conclusion that Meursault's sentence was something waiting to happen. I dare to say that in this section of the novel, Camus is critisizing the way humanity always tries to find rational explanations for acts and people that are out of the ordinary.

.

please indent.Meursault is a very out of the ordinary character. Throughout his trial, he showed no remorse, no regret, no sadness, or no emotion whatsoever. Any other human being would try to avoid punishment for their actions, and agree to anything that might yield a chance of getting out of it; even if it includes having to show fake remorse. However, all Meursault seemed to care about were petty details, like "all those people...crowding in to see (83)" him, or the "two large fans" that "started to whir (85)" This lack of emotion was characteristic in his personality, so it shouldn't come as any surprise to the reader; but all the sentences and judgements that the reader created towards Meursault finally condemned him in the story line.

.

please indent.If he had shown normal (what society considers normal anyways) human instinct, then Meursault might have not received the death penalty. Had he connected somewhat with the jury, the judges, and the spectators, then they might have pitied him some and let him live. However, he is everything but normal, and society cannot accept different. We condemn everything and everyone that doesn't follow the trends, fashions, and/or "correct" values and morals. We expect everyone to be just like us, if not close to it; and if you're not, at least appear to be. Anything different or out of the ordinary would set a dangerous precedent that could endanger the basic foundations on which society lays.

.

please indentAlthough in theory Meursault is guilty of murder, Camus is trying to show the reader a reality which is all too deniable. We as a society don't accept different; we are always trying to "convert" enemies, "cleanse" neighbors, or "free" enemies. If everyone's the same, then it's much easier to rule, move ahead, and live in harmony. Had Meursault accepted God during his preliminary hearing, accepted his remorse, and asked for forgiveness, then he probably wouldn't have gone to trial because it was the "correct thing" to do. He still had a chance if he had shown remorse during the trial, or any sort of emotion as a matter of fact. But Meursault wasn't normal, he didn't follow the social etiquette needed, therefore he was the weak part that needed replacement in a car.

.

please indentTo tell you the truth, when I read the sentencing I was somehow discouraged to continue reading. This is what the reader has been waiting for after all, some sort of order in this strange character. Why did Camus leave the sentencing so early on? I mean I still have 15 pages left and it's not like this is a slow moving book. Hm... I wonder what will happen? Will Meursault have a way to redeem himself and show society he is worthy to be a part of it? I'll have to wait and see.