Albert Camus first
novel was an instant hit when it was first published in 1942. It is a fairly short novel but a potent one nonetheless, Camus'' stripped down prose and terse style delivering place or dialogue without artifice. It is in this pared down but economical style that the author best uses the first person to forcefully illustrate the existential heart of this fascinating
tale but simple tale.
Set in the often oppressive heat of Camus'' birthplace of Algiers, the
story is essentially one of truth and the consequences of telling it in an unforgiving society. The protagonist of the tale is Meursault, a bachelor living an undemanding existence complete with office job and fiancee. The story begins with the funeral of Meursault''s
mother which is taking place in the care home in which he has placed her. From the start we are made aware that Meursault is a little unusual. He seems unconcerned with appearance and without artifice. We are also made aware that he was not particularly close to his mother. Keeping an overnight vigil with his mother''s friends, his lack of proper emotion is duly noted and comes back to haunt him later in the story.
After the
funeral life goes on for Meursault much as before, with the exception of a new friend he makes, a shifty local man with obvious criminal connections called Raymond. Through his relationship with Raymond Meursault becomes embroiled in fued with some Arabs, one of whom is the brother of Raymond''s mistress whom he has beaten and humiliated. A fight breaks out and ultimately Meursault kills one of them. He is prompty arrested and put on trial for murder.
While being questioned through the court proceedings Meursault''s simple answers and lack of regret cause the trial to slide away from the facts of the case and into an examination of the defendant''s very being. While deciding on the nature of the killing the prosecution use witnesses from his mother''s funeral to attest to the abominable and heartless disposition of her son. A certain
behaviour is expected of its citizens by society, behaviour which certainly includes showing the proper emotion at the funeral of your own mother. Regardless of how you feel.
And this is the real thrust of Camus'' novel. Meursault does kill the Arab and although the Arab had a knife the
murder is still done in cold blood. Yet his intent could not have been proved from the circumstances of the fight. What the prosecution ultimately condemn Meursault to death with is his own disposition to tell the truth. He does not feign regret and does not cry at funerals when he is not particularly sad. It is his behaviour as someone outside societal rules that finally condemns him to death.
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