The Stranger Philosophical Viewpoints: The Absurd Quotes Page 3
Citations follow this format: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph). We used Matthew Ward's translation, published by Vintage International published in 1989.
| Quote #7 [H]e asked me again if I wanted to be pals. I said it was fine with me: he seemed pleased. (1.3.7) |
Meursault observes the emotions of others with a strange and almost scientific detachment. "He seemed pleased," he records, as though he’s watching through a fish tank.
| Quote #8 He [Raymond] asked if I thought she was cheating on him, and it seemed to me she was; if I thought she should be punished and what I would do in his place, and I said you can't ever be sure, but I understood his wanting to punish her. (1.3.11) |
Meursault’s response to Raymond’s question signifies his belief that one can never be sure about anything in life (much less the sex life of Raymond's mistress).
| Quote #9 I tried my best to please Raymond because I didn’t have any reason not to please him. (1.3.12) |
Meursault himself, on the other hand, doesn’t feel any of these normal emotions himself.
