Journal #6

Does Camus create Mersault to be "emotionless" because of his mother's death, or does he imply that Meursault has always been like this?

Does Camus description of a humans "innate" characteristics (sleeping, sex, eating etc.) show the need for physical reassurance in everyday life?

How old does Camus want Meursault to be portrayed?

Does routine play an important role in Meursault's life? If yes, how?

Why does Camus use such short and choppy sentences in his writing? How does this connect to a theme?

ANSWERS!
Anthony Nguyen: #1
I also agree with Sean. Sun/light has been turned into things he wishes not to see. I believe that in order for anything to be real, Meursault has to physically see them. But in these cases, the sun/light/heat may be present because he knows that they are real, but he refuses to own up to the truth of it? If that makes sense.

Maddie Black: #1
I have been wondering the same thing. I think that maybe he gets upset when people show emotion because at that point in his life he is so disconnected from it all together. Although it doesn't appear that way, his mother's death took a tole on him and he has distanced himself from anything that might cause him pain.

Jarrad Schulte: #5
The reason Camus uses simple colors is to keep the complexity of the description down. When Meursault describes things (which is semi rare!), Camus wants to make sure that we as the readers really understand what he means.

Ivan K: #3
Camus shows Meursault with more emotion in the court because M. is battling with the fact that his life is meaningless. This is what makes me believe that M. was not always emotionally disconnected but that these attitudes were brought on by the death of his mother.

Tanner Bean: #1
Camus makes Meursault dependant on the physical to act as a foil. This shows how the other characters care about more important emotional things.