Journal 6: Insightful Questions

1. Why does Camus make all of his characters besides Meursault flat and static? What affect does this have on the development of his theme?
2. What effect does Camus choice to write in a Hemingway style have on characterization?
3. If the sun is truly a motif or symbol in the novel, why is it stagnant? (i.e. Meursault's interaction and reaction the sun, specifically glare, remains constant throughout the novel).
4. What is the significance of Marie throughout the novel? What does her relationship with Merusault symbolize?
5. Why does Camus create a distance between Meursault and the other characters? (i.e. the judge and his lawyer, who cannot comprehend his lack of sympathy).

Comments:

Tanner Bean # 1: Camus creates a character (I'm assuming Meursault?) who's emotions are dependent on environment to act as a foil to other characters who have more complex internal emotions (i.e. Marie, love).

Matt Merckling # 2: Camus uses short and choppy sentences to reflect the character Meursault; Meursault never goes in depth with respect to emotion and is a surface level human being lacking of any complex emotions.

Ivan Kallevig # 3: Camus chooses to display a deeper emotion when Meursault is in the courthouse because he understands he is now in a battle for life and death, which I believe brings out a human beings true character. Additionally, if everything in life is absurd, then theoretically death is the only thing that makes sense. For this reason, Meursault was able to form a deeper connection with death than with life due to his personal ideology.

Kylee Rosette # 3: Camus creates a parallel plot in the death of Maman and Meursalt at the beginning and end of the novel to characterize Meursault. Mersault wishes people to shout cries of hate at his own execution, and likewise showed and indifference towards the death of his own mother.

Montana Agnew # 1: Camus creates a character (Meursault?) that is a "sociopath" to act as a foil with other characters, and in my opinion, prove that he is the only character in the book that is not a sociopath. I believe that just because a majority agrees, it does not mean the concept is right. Camus, though depriving Meursault of any emotion, maintains a positive tone when describing him. He generally portrays other characters as less intelligent through their emotional decisions.