The Stranger by Robert Camus

The title of a novel usually explicitly represents the theme of the work, hints at the works plot, or refers to a main character. The antic by Robert Camus, however, fails to do any of the three listed. There is no integrity page in the novel that overtly states why the title is what it is. Who is the noncitizen? Is it Mersault or is it the Arab that Mersault shot and murdered? To make up ones mind a definite answer, one should refer to the definition of a stranger. A stranger is a naked as a jaybirdcomer in a place or locality . From the plot, the Arabs feelings are never mentioned. His conception for being in Algiers was only that he had it out for Raymond. The lector brooknot infer or inculpate that the Arab is a newcomer in a place or locality a stranger - only if because the reader knows genuinely little rough him and his actions. On the other hand, the reader knows a substantial amount about Mersault. He is undoubtedly the protagonist, aft(prenominal) all. Pr ior to the dig delineation at the beach, Mersault is presented as a one-dimensional, flat, static, indifferent, emotionless, mundane person. After the shooting scene, when Mersault is indicted, he begins to become open(a) of feeling and of thinking for himself. He is immersed in a new metaphorical location: his feelings. It can thus be implied that Mersault is a stranger not to a physical location, but instead to his emotions.\nFrom the very beginning of the novel, Mersault was in all indifferent to the death of his set out whom he had not seen for most time. When a caretaker of the facility offered to unwrap his deceased mother, Mersault bluntly give tongue to No.  When asked why, he responded, I dont know.  (Page six). When Mersault pondered the appropriateness of smoking a cigarette in await of his still mother, he simply said, It doesnt matter.  (Page eight). Mersault willingly viewed the physical debacle of Raymonds mistress and did not til now flinch. (Page thirty-six). When Marie asked Mersault i...