How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph). We used Matthew Ward's translation, published by Vintage International published in 1989.
Quote #21
I explained to him, however, that my nature was such that my physical needs often got in the way of my feelings. (2.1.4)
That’s about as explicit as it gets. You can apply this line to all of Meursault’s words and actions in The Stranger.
Quote #22
It was two o’clock in the afternoon, and this time his office was filled with sunlight barely softened by a flimsy curtain. It was very hot. (2.1.7)
By this point, we know that hot weather is never a good sign for Meursault. Tension is built in this scene simply because of our previous associations between the sun and Meursault’s mood.
Quote #23
Then he said, "Why did you pause between the first and second shot?" Once again I could see the red sand and feel the burning of the sun on my forehead. (2.1.9)
This is yet another instance of Meursault’s belief that his actions are dictated by his physical surroundings.
Quote #24
To tell the truth, I had found it very hard to follow his reasoning, first because I was hot and there were big flies in his office that kept landing on my face […]. (2.1.10)
Meursault loses concentration and other cognitive abilities once the weather gets hot. We feel you, Meursault. Sort of.
Quote #25
The trial opened with the sun glaring outside. (2.3.1)
That the sun is "glaring outside" does not bode well for Meursault’s trial. This foreshadows some form of agitation on his part, or possibly his getting sentenced to the guillotine. Take your pick.
Quote #26
Despite the blinds, the sun filtered through in places and the air was already stifling. They hadn’t opened the windows. (2.3.3)
Even more comments regarding the hot sun and the stifling air, and yes, even more foreshadowing of impending doom.
Quote #27
Fumbling a little with my words and realizing how ridiculous I sounded, I blurted out that it was because of the sun. People laughed. My lawyer threw up his hands […]. (2.4.6)
Think about Meursault’s defense ("the sun made me do it!") in the context of the last chapter of the novel, when he concludes that he feels a kinship with the earth, that the world is in fact his brother.
Quote #28
Meanwhile, the sun was getting low outside and it wasn’t as hot anymore. From what street noises I could hear, I sensed the sweetness of evening coming on. There we all were, waiting. And what we were all waiting for really concerned only me. (2.4.9)
As we approach the denouement and falling action, the sun gets lower in the sky. Nifty!