The Stranger #2

            In the novel The Stranger by Albert Camus, the reader is introduced to Mersault. Mersault is the protagonist of the novel who appears to have no emotions. The epitome of Mersault’s indifference towards the actions occurring in the outside world is displayed when Raymond talks to Mersault about Raymond’s girlfriend. Raymond accuses his girlfriend of cheating, and when Raymond asks Mersault his opinion, Merasault answers, “I didn't think anything but that [the situation] was interesting” (32). There is no clear evidence that Raymond’s girlfriend is cheating, and furthermore there is undeniable evidence that Raymond is abusing his girlfriend. Mersault does not take Raymond’s violent actions into account, and only assesses the situation between Raymond and his girlfriend strictly from Raymond’s point of view. Raymond easily manipulates Mersault into taking Raymond’s side because Mersault is unable to step back and see the emotions in a situation. Thus, Mersault is an extremely unemotional character.