Stranger 5

Camus creates two different parts to emphasize the turning point in the book, and to show Meursault's chage in the story. One of the ideas that is apparent in both parts of the story is Meursault's way of thinking. In the first part he never really talks about his opinions and feelings for other people. He only mentions them if he notices them. Camus makes Meursault very isolated and inconsiderate in the first part. In the second part Meursault starts to think about his life while he's in prison, where he really is isolated. He starts mentioning things that he remembers from earlier, when before he wouldn't have mentioned it. Meursault realizes that he isn't inconsiderate, but he only talks when he has something important to say. Prison life actually makes Meursault a better person. He gives up smoking, and really starts to understand himself. By comparing Muersault's different views in the first and second part, Camus creates growth and change in Meursault's character.