It seems as though I must correct myself by answering my own thoughts on our French fellow, existentially. So we shall.
Meursault is straightforward, honest, and thinks for himself because that is who he chooses to be. Existentialists must create their own identity so as to not be wasting time doing anything else. So he is in being very descriptive in whatever he feels like describing.
His indifference, my dear child, is also a part of this identity, and existentialists all over praise this. Huzzah! Death is inevitable, and Meursault lives life with that in mind. He also seeks to be content, and with his self-absorbed personality, does as he pleases, when he pleases (or is indifferent), because that is who he is. That would be the reason he agreed to write for Raymond, because it doesn't matter if it hurts someone else, because it doesn't penetrate his world, and will thus be a-ok.
By doing what he wants, he is also rejecting meaning-given narratives, which is what we seem to be struggling with most here. His indifference seems socially unacceptable, but Meursault ignores what society thinks. So what if his mom died, or his girl friend wants to get married? He doesn't care! They're all parts of life that he feel have no influence in life or the world's order. Thus, he goes deeper and deeper into the rabbit hole of Existentialism. Good for him!
Sincerely yours,
Existential Danny.
2/8
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Monday, February 7, 2011
post Numba 4- the informal response
Sorry it's late, I've been out of town.
Now... Meursault...
In general, I read through what he thinks and how he analyzes things, and like how he's straightforward, honest, and thinks for himself. When I read his narration, I feel like I'm reading how I would narrate my own passing days, without too much detail on the day as a whole, and yet with so much on whatever catches his eye..... despite the fact that for him, apparently it is the gross stuff on old people's noses or flies on a lamp that grab his attention. Basically, what's important to him is what is in front of him, and the things he must do at the moment, and not much else. This is ok, to an extent.....
I can relate to his indifference to everything to the point in which he cares not of what happens to others. That is where I find him unbelievably selfish and inhumane. Sure, a lot of things that happen in life won't matter in the long-run, but that is no excuse to set a stranger up (being Raymond's 'moorish' girl) for pain in the future. Not giving a care about being married is another example. Compassion and care are what, I think, makes us who we are as humans, and working alongside in a world that, apparently, had no meaning, should be what we strive for. This guy is only looking out for himself, doing what feels good for him, caring very VERY little for how others feel. How he feels is his top priority, and I can't feel sympathy and relate to a character that refuses to feel sympathy and relate to others. Sorry Meursault, but I, for one, do not think you're 'a boss'.
2/7
I'll do post #5 tomorrow..
Now... Meursault...
In general, I read through what he thinks and how he analyzes things, and like how he's straightforward, honest, and thinks for himself. When I read his narration, I feel like I'm reading how I would narrate my own passing days, without too much detail on the day as a whole, and yet with so much on whatever catches his eye..... despite the fact that for him, apparently it is the gross stuff on old people's noses or flies on a lamp that grab his attention. Basically, what's important to him is what is in front of him, and the things he must do at the moment, and not much else. This is ok, to an extent.....
I can relate to his indifference to everything to the point in which he cares not of what happens to others. That is where I find him unbelievably selfish and inhumane. Sure, a lot of things that happen in life won't matter in the long-run, but that is no excuse to set a stranger up (being Raymond's 'moorish' girl) for pain in the future. Not giving a care about being married is another example. Compassion and care are what, I think, makes us who we are as humans, and working alongside in a world that, apparently, had no meaning, should be what we strive for. This guy is only looking out for himself, doing what feels good for him, caring very VERY little for how others feel. How he feels is his top priority, and I can't feel sympathy and relate to a character that refuses to feel sympathy and relate to others. Sorry Meursault, but I, for one, do not think you're 'a boss'.
2/7
I'll do post #5 tomorrow..
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