The Stranger by Albert Camus

How does the development of Meursault’s character reveal the novella’s theme?
After receiving the news about his mother’s death, Meursault does not look worried but instead seems relaxed during and after the burial. During Meursault’s journey to his mother’s funeral, he sleeps throughout. During the day of the burial, he does not want to interact with other people including Thomas Perez; the only person who was close to his mother when she was still alive. Meursault kills the brother of Raymond’s mistress as revenge for cheating. When he is taken to court, he refuses to associate himself to God and thus being branded an atheist and outsider. While in jail, he seems comfort table and quickly adapts to the new environment. Meursault is ready to be killed rather than proclaiming his belief in God. All these actions prove that Meursault is indeed strange.
How does Meursault’s relationship create the novella’s theme?
Meursault does not enjoy the company of the caretakers who work at the home for the aged persons. When he introduced to Thomas Perez, Meursault shows disinterest in him. He watches Thomas as he strives to attend the burial and could not offer assistance to the old man. Meursault does not love Marie although he does not openly tell her how he truly feels about her. The manner in which Meursault treats the chaplain when he is about to be sentenced. He mishandles the chaplain during this occasion. Meursault is not in good terms with most people thus illustrating his strangeness.

How does Meursault’s connection to his environment illustrate the novella’s theme?
Meursault enjoyed spending most of his time at the beach because he is idle on most occasions. At the beach, he prefers swimming and mingling with bad company such as Raymond. When he is sent him jail, Meursault adapts quickly to the change. He enjoyed sleeping when he was in prison and in every situation that he finds himself into thus showing how strange he can be.
How do Meursault’s reference to time and the passing of time help convey the novella’s theme?
At the start of the Novella, Meursault believes that he has a right not to report to work for four days. He is convinced that his boss cannot deny giving him the off days. In Algiers, Meursault spends most of him time sun basking at the beach either alone or with the company of friends such as Raymond. After spending his first night with Marie and waking up to find that she was gone, Meursault goes back to bed and sleeps until noon. When Meursault is not at the beach, he spends his time watching people from the balcony of his house. He displays a strange character in the manner he spends his time.