Camus entitled his novel The Stranger because his protagonist actually was a stranger to both his associates and his surroundings. Monsieur Meursault was never really known byanyone. Nobody ever knew what really made Meursault tick and nobody ever reallyknew what motivated him. Meursault was a wanderer throughout his life. Meursault wasalso a stranger because he did not understand other peoples motivations either. Meursault formed relationships easily enough and interacted with others. But, itwas obvious that Meursault interacted in these relationships the way other peopleexpected him to. For example, when Meursault invited Salamano into his house, heeventually became bored with Salamano. He was getting on my nerves a little, but Ididnt have anything to do and I didnt feel sleepy. Just for something to say, I asked himabout his dog (Camus, 44). This and other thoughts reveal quite a bit about Meursault. Meursault is brutally honest with himself. He is, however, polite. Despite notreally wanting to talk with Salamano, Meursault asks him about his lost dog. Theconversation continues and Meursault reveals another thought that tells the reader he istalking only to please Salamano: I said he (the dog) was well bred and Salamano lookedpleased (Camus, 45). Here, the reader sees that Meursault notices that he is doing wellin the conversation and he takes note of it. Meursault is also very distant from everyone he meets and interacts with. He wasdistant at his mothers funeral and he was distant with Marie and he was distant with thepolice both times he was questioned. At Mamans funeral, Meursault paid more attentionto his surroundings, the nurse with the bandaged face, the bright sunlight and thecaretaker than he did his mothers body. He did not even enter a time of mourning. Meursault did not want to look at his mother or have the casket opened. Instead, he drankcoffee and smoked cigarettes. This proves Meursaults distance...
