Journal 5: Two Part Split

I believe Camus split his novel into two parts primarily to symbolize the shift in the character Meursault's perception of the world. He does so using parallel structure with respect to plot; Camus places Meursault in similar situations in both parts to allow the reader to distinguish what aspect of his personality has changed since killing the Arab. For instance, the plot structure in both parts is near identical. The first page of Part I begins with Meursault dealing with a socially dramatic and serious event and displaying relative indifference. "Maman died today. Or yesterday maybe, I don't know." (1). Likewise, in Part II Camus begins with Meursault in court. "I admitted I hadn't and inquired whether it was really necessary to have one. (63). Initially, it seems that change between Meursault's personality are subtle, if at all there. However, Part II begins to display a more concerned Meursault. "I wished I could have made him stay, to explain that I wanted things between us to be good [...]" (66). Meursault displays a parallel relationship between Raymond and his lawyer. In Part I Meursault generally cares for others only for the benefit of himself, whereas in Part II he shows a more genuine emotion regarding his relationship with other characters.