"That's all for today, Monsieur Antichrist."
Written: Aug 23 '00 (Updated Aug 23 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Everything. Excellent read.
Cons: Nothing.
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| schroeder360's Full Review: Stranger, The Books |
I am still rather numb from finishing this novel, so I hope that I can muster together some cohesive and comprehensible sentences...
I won't bore you with superfluous plot details, since basically all of the other reviews will probably have plenty to go by (in some cases, too much). I will simply provide justification for my recommendation of this book in the form of my (brief) interpretation of it.
The writing of this book is remarkable (hats off to the translator and his new Americanized version) since it is a mere 123 pages (with almost children's book size letters and margins) yet it packs a life-altering punch. It is just that succinct. The main character is so multi-faceted that you would think that all of that time is spent on character development, but the first person narrative allows the plot to occur, and Meursault's portrayal of the events give away his character. But not completely... (that's the beauty of it.)
His reaction to Maman's death can be seen in two different ways: either he is so distraught he can find no outlet for his remorse, or else he has no remorse to outlet. The latter seems to be more widely accepted, and it seems a very cold, careless, selfish way to react. His explanation is so rational, however, I can not bring myself to fault him if he truly does feel no remorse. He feels no guilt for putting her in the home because his reason is justifiable and beyond his control. They had grown apart (to the degree that he did not know her age) so he only reacted as if an old acquaintance had died. (She too grew apart from him--e.g. her "fiance" Perez.)
When I think about Meursault, he begins to remind me of a Shakespearean character: Brutus from "Julius Caesar". Both characters exude a stoic indifference towards the world, both have the death of a man on their conscience, and (I may be wrong about this next point because it has been so long since I read the play) both have a moment of panic soon before they accept their fate and become docile. The main point of contrast between the two is the pro-activeness. Meursault's dictum seems to be "it doesn't really matter." He is aware of the absurdity surrounding him and accepts this. Actually, for being a professed stoic, Brutus is much less successful at this lifestyle than Meursault. Brutus is more ambitious in his apathy. I don't know if Meursault would have cared that Caesar was getting too big for his toga, since in the end "it doesn't really matter." Brutus loved Rome so much that he felt compelled to protect it. Meursault doesn't show he is capable of caring enough to feel love for anything or anybody.
But he does feel. He reacted to Maman's death, just not as overwhelmingly as is socially accepted. He desired Marie. He liked Raymond. What it is that is so different about him is that he realizes that overreactions are worthless. He takes a minimalist approach to emotions. There is no B.S. about him. He even chooses his words carefully and is known to be quiet and somewhat withdrawn.
At times, Meursault's nature can become somewhat amusing in contrast to the characters around him. A perfect example of this is the over-zealous magistrate, who brandishes a crucifix in front of Meursault's face to force him to repent. When he explains he does not believe in God, this angers the magistrate:
"He said it was impossible; all men believed in God, even those who turn their backs on Him. That was his belief, and if he were ever to doubt it, his life would become meaningless. 'Do you want my life to become meaningless?' he shouted. As far as I could see, it didn't have anything to do with me, and I told him so."
I don't know about you, but I laughed when I read this.
Although he may seem a shallow, indifferent, insensitive person, that is just who is and he acts with absolutely no animosity towards anyone. How can apathy be malice?
Besides, it doesn't really matter.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
schroeder360
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Member: Jason
Reviews written: 27
Trusted by: 7 members
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