In ‘The Outsider’ Essay, Research Paper
The purpose of this essay is to bring to light the significance of Marie as a character in Albert Camus?, ?The Outsider?. Through analysis and criticism, this essay endeavors to reveal her importance as an aid to the better the reader?s understanding of the personality of Meursault, the protagonist of the novel.
Marie is first introduced to the reader in chapter two of part one. The description of Marie that Camus gives us in this chapter as well in other parts of the book is remarkably objective in nature. In every portrayal of Marie, the author paints a detached picture which highlights the objectification of Marie in this novel. The narrative employs short sentences which serve to emphasize the coldness and lack of emotion in the light under which Meursault sees Marie. This narrative style is noticed in the second paragraph on Page 24 especially in the lines ?She had her leg against mine, and I was fondling her breasts. Towards the end of the show I kissed her, but badly. Afterwards she came back to my place.? The apathy and indifference with which Camus has described Meursault?s date with Marie resembles that of a history textbook, simply listing down a chronology of events, like consequences leading to a final outcome. The narrative in the rest of the chapter is comparatively rich in the use of adjectives and feeling. This shows, therefore, the objectification of Marie even during her introduction in the novel.
Another characteristic trend that is observed in the description of Marie, is sensuality. Marie is presented only as a body, especially in the first part of the novel. The descriptions are sexual in context which exhibits the objectification of Marie into a body . The lines on page 37 , ?I really fancied her because she was wearing a pretty red and white striped dress and leather sandals. You could see the shape of her firm breasts and her suntanned face was like a flower.?, are indicative of this point under consideration. We get similar descriptions in other parts of the novel as well .These bodily descriptions give us the sense of emotional detachment that Mersault feels for Marie and points out that the essence of their relationship revolves purely around sex and physical pleasure. The character of Marie has thus been molded into a commodity and a vessel of sexual satisfaction. This commodification of Marie can be distinctly noticed in the line ?Yesterday was Saturday and Marie came over as we?d arranged?. This line characterizes the objectivity of their relationship thus reinforcing my inference that Marie is Meursault?s object of ?fancy?, just like a toy in a child?s hands.
We thus made aware of Meursault?s choice of not entangling himself in a relationship of love and emotion. When he was asked by Marie whether he loved her, Meursault replied that he it did not mean anything to him but he probably did not. On another occasion, Meursault also showed an indifference when asked about marriage. He replied that marriage was not a serious matter for him but that he ?would not mind?. Meursault also bluntly added that he would have said the same thing to any other woman. But Marie did not shiver from the coldness of Meursault?s statements. Instead, she said that she probably loved him for being ?peculiar? and that is why she would like to marry him. Meursault is identified to be a character who believes in the frankness of opinion. This is what makes him seem emotionless and this lack of emotion is seen as an incongruence with the norms of society. That is what makes Meursault the ?Outsider?. Meursault candidness is thus reflected in his relationship with Marie for the fact that he sees her as an ?thing? and still chooses not hide behind a mask of pretentious emotions. His objectification of Marie is thus indicative of Meursault?s own personality.
Further objectification of Marie can also be observed through the absence of voice that the author has given her. This has been intentionally created by Camus to highlight her commodification. Marie?s voicelessness can be seen at every instance in the novel involving her. One distinct point worth mentioning in this context is that she is the only ?side? character in the book who does not have a story to tell. By the words ?story to tell?, I mean a background story or an element to add to the plot. Both Raymond as well as Salamano and his dog have their own stories to tell. But Marie on the other hand is introduced without much background information.
Another lucid feature of Marie?s is her laughter. At every occasion when Marie is addressed or asked for an opinion, she responds with a smile or a laugh. Certain lines , such as ?I asked her if she wanted to come to the cinema that evening. She laughed and said there was a Fernandel film she?d like to see.? bear example to this observation. The smile and the laugh are practically substituted in exchange of Marie?s voice. The lines ?when she laughed I fancied her again? and ??and for no apparent reason, she laughed again, so I kissed her? are quite striking because they indicate that Marie appealed to Meursault when she remained voiceless, just like a toy-doll or a dummy. Another prominent example is the courtroom scene when Marie was asked to take the stand. Marie answered all of the prosecutor?s questions in an objective manner and ?in an almost toneless voice?. This was when the judge and jury intently listened to her statement. But when Marie burst into tears and pleaded for Meursault?s innocence by saying that she was being forced to say the opposite of her thoughts, the judge beckoned for her to be taken away and continued with the hearing. This underlines the fact that Marie?s emotions and thoughts were of no relevance to the judge and only the answers of the questions put forward by the prosecutor held significance. This not only illustrates society?s failure to accept Marie?s opinions and value judgments but also her reduction into an object or a mechanical toy doll, only supposed to smile or deliver programmed answers to questions.
In part two of the novel, the objectification of Marie is of a different nature. The theme of part two revolves around the imprisonment of Meursault, the court hearing and his execution. This part of the novel shows a change in Marie?s significance as an object of fancy. She becomes the symbol of Meursault?s freedom from incarceration. Just as he was addicted to smoking, Meursault had become addicted to Marie. Meursault managed to overcome his desire for cigarettes. But his longing and yearning for Marie, or for any of the women of his past, was much greater. Marie?s character is thus responsible for invoking sympathy within the reader for Meursault. Meursault?s incarceration and separation served to add a trace of love and affection for Marie. Although the bodily descriptions still prevail, a touch of affection is noticed. Nostalgia is also prominent in his descriptions. During his imprisonment, flashes of memories of swimming with her in the sea and squeezing her shoulders would cross his mind. He would look forward to Marie?s visits and ?make the most of having Marie there? when she visited. In addition to this, Marie also encouraged Meursault not to loose hope. She was, in truth, the only reason for Meursault to cherish any hope. This accentuates her significance as a symbol of his freedom.
We can thus conclude that understanding the relevance of the character of Marie is crucial to comprehending Meursault?s persona. She is a symbol of his truthfulness, indifference, objectivity and freedom from captivity. Her character might not inspire any respect for Marie as a person, but her relationship with Meursault elucidates the reason for his being called ?The Outsider?.
Bibliography
‘The Outsider’ by Franz Kafka
Другие работы по теме:
Stranger Philosophy Essay Research Paper
"It has been said that Camus ‘?was haunted with the notion that our world is a universe which has no place for us, in which our life makes no sense?" The Stranger reflects this philosophy in a myriad of ways. Mr.
What Is In A Name Essay Research
Paper What is in a name? Does a name serve any importance in representing a person? Three letters and one syllable make up my name. Which part of me does that represent? I believe that a person?s name does not partake in their identity or character. It is just a form of reference, given to a person at the time of their birth.
Analysis Of Characters From Different Novels Essay
, Research Paper Throughout literature, the value of a story may be determined through the merit of the characters within. The merit of characters may be judged on three criteria, the first being plausibility or how feasible a certain character is – a characteristic perfectly exemplified in the story “I’m a Fool” by Sherwood Anderson.
The Stranger 2 Essay Research Paper Albert
The Stranger 2 Essay, Research Paper Albert Camus novel, The Stranger, examines what happens to a passive man when mixed in a murder. During the trial of the main character, Meursault, the prosecutor examines Meursault s normal behavior as callous and cold. In order for the prosecutor to have a case in the reader s mind, Camus must create the past that the trial calls for.
Love Medicine Essay Research Paper Love MedicineLove
Love Medicine Essay, Research Paper Love Medicine Love Medicine is a novel about relationships. It is about families and lovers. It is about love as the tie that binds. The characters in the novel live throughout their lives experiencing different things with different people, but it all comes back to love as the force that brings them together.
Romantic Love In Dante S Inferno And
The Lais Of Marie De France Essay, Research Paper Romantic Love In Dante s Inferno and The Lais of Marie De France It is fascinating to take the time out to examine in similarities and differences in the way authors Dante Aligheri and Marie De France impart to their readers their views on romantic love. It can almost be said that the two perspectives are similarly different.
Women And Shopping Essay Research Paper What
Women And Shopping Essay, Research Paper What motivates women to shop? I attempted to answer the age old question by surveying five ladies who are self-proclaimed experts at the “art” of shopping. These five ladies, Joanne, Kim, Marie, Shirley, and Kimmie sat down with me individually and this is what I basically gathered from the discussion sessions.
Condorcet Essay Research Paper Marie Jean Antoine
Condorcet Essay, Research Paper Marie Jean Antoine Nicolas de Caritat, better known as Marquis de Condorcet, was born in Ribemont, Paris. He studied at Jesuit schools and the college de Navarre and
Le Rossignol Essay Research Paper Le Rossignol
Le Rossignol Essay, Research Paper Le Rossignol est un lai de Marie de France qui s?etait traduire en vers romans de huit syllables entre les annee 1160 et 1180. Dans Le Rossignol, Marie de France examine l?amour courtois et l?amour de la court qui observe des regles. Un exemple de ses regles s?appele **Traite de l?amour ?courtois?** de Andre Le Chapelain qui nous avons deja lu en classe.
Marie Curie Essay Research Paper Why was
Marie Curie Essay, Research Paper Why was Marie Curie a significant woman in European Science? Marie Curie was the most successful scientist to come out of Poland. She saw science as a beauty that she wanted to withhold.# Science to her was an unknown fairy tale phenomena that she was determined to discover.
Greek Actors Essay Research Paper GREEK DRAMA
Greek Actors Essay, Research Paper GREEK DRAMA: the actors The actors in ancient tragedies were hired and paid by the state and assigned to the tragic poets probably by lot. By the middle of the fifth century three actors were required for the performance of a tragedy. In descending order of importance of the roles they assumed they were called protagonist first actor (a term also applied in modern literary criticism to the central character of a play), Dueteragonist second actor and tritagonist third actor .
The Hobbit Essay Research Paper Title The
The Hobbit Essay, Research Paper Title: The Hobbit Author: J.R.R. Tolkien Setting 1. Is the setting important to the story? Explain. The setting in this book has no importance to the story because the several different places in which the character stays affects the story in no way. The story could easily be told in a completely different setting.
Adele Essay Research Paper In Charlotte Bronte
Adele Essay, Research Paper In Charlotte Bronte’s novel “Jane Eyre”, there is a slightly inconspicuous character that many readers may choose to ignore. The character that I speak of is Adele, the adorable French girl that Edward Rochester has taken as his own. While many people may undermine the importance of this character in the novel, it is easy to see that she plays a vital role in the coming together of Mr.
Is President Bill Clinton A Tragic Character
Essay, Research Paper Is President Bill Clinton a Tragic character? A tragic character is someone who is basically good, strong, intelligent, and not a martyr. A tragic character must have good fortune and be successful. A tragic character must also possess a tragic flaw, which in an attribute that would lead to a downfall.
Letter Of A Woman Homesteader Daughter Of
Earth, Mrs. Spring Fragrance Essay, Research Paper A person’s family can be one of the most influential forces in their life. It shapes a person’s character, values, and personality and influences their life in a positive or negative manner. What makes up a family can vary from person to person. Family could be a mother, father, and children, or it could be the people one cares about whether they are related or not.
Marie Curie Essay Research Paper Marie CurieMarie
Marie Curie Essay, Research Paper Marie Curie Marie Curie was born in Warsaw on November 7, 1867. She was actually born to the name Marja Sklodowska. When she was 24, she went to Paris where she changed her name to Marie and started school in Sorbonne. In 1893, she received her degree in physics. When she needed a lab to experiment in, a Professor Kovalski said that there might be space in the School of Physics and Chemistry.
Marie Curie Essay Research Paper MARIE CURIELIFE
Marie Curie Essay, Research Paper MARIE CURIE LIFE OF MARIE CURIE Marie Curie(1867-1934) was a French physicist with many accomplishments in both physics and chemistry. Marie and her husband Pierre, who was also a French physicist, are both famous for their work in radioactivity.
Marie Curie Essay Research Paper Marie Curie
Marie Curie Essay, Research Paper Marie Curie is the most famous woman of physics. She has been recognized for her work with Nobel Prize awards in both physics (1903) and chemistry (1911). She got a late start with her education obtaining her license in physics in 1893 and the corresponding degree in mathematics in 1894.
Marie Curie Essay Research Paper The ashes
Marie Curie Essay, Research Paper The ashes of Marie Curie and her husband Pierre have now been laid to rest under the famous dome of the Panth?on. Through her discovery of radium, Marie Curie paved the way for nuclear physics and cancer therapy. Born of Polish parents, she was a woman of science and courage, compassionate yet stubbornly determined.
Marie Curie Essay Research Paper Curie Mariephysicist
Marie Curie Essay, Research Paper Curie, Marie physicist and twice Nobel laureate, best known for her Curie, Marie, nйe Maria Sklodowska (1867-1934), French work on radioactivity, with her husband Pierre. Maria Sklodowska was born in Warsaw, Poland, which was then part of the Russian Empire. Her father, an ardent Polish nationalist, taught mathematics and physics at a secondary school, but was denied promotion because of his political views, which he passed on to his daughter.
Love In Lanval Essay Research Paper Love
Love In Lanval Essay, Research Paper Love is the central theme of the two stories Lanval , by Marie De France, and The Prologue and Tale of the Wife of Bath in The Canterbury Tales, by Geoffery Chaucer. The authors have very similar opinions about the nature of love and how people react to being in love. One of the messages conveyed in both stories is the irresistible power that a woman has over a man who is in love with her.
STRANGER Essay Research Paper In Albert Camus
STRANGER Essay, Research Paper In Albert Camus novel, The Stranger, the main character Meursault displays a unique indifference to his surroundings and the world around him. It takes him a degree of time to come to terms with his indifference, but when he does he feels truly free from society’s constricting bonds.
All My Sons Larry
’s Importance Essay, Research Paper Never Seen But Still Important, How? We never meet the man yet he still plays an integral role in the plot. How can this be? This concept is exactly what happens in the play All My Sons as pertains to the role of Larry. Although Larry never actually appears in the play, he affects the plot and the characters, specifically Kate, in key ways.
Mad Shadows Essay Research Paper Mad Shadows
Mad Shadows Essay, Research Paper Mad Shadows is a book about obsession and delusion. It’s characters exhibit fixations on beauty, wealth and revenge. This coincides with the fact that all the main characters are defected
Importance Of Friar Lawrence Essay Research Paper
The Importance of Friar Lawrence Even though he was not actually on stage for most of the play, he was the most important character in the play. There was basically three major parts that lead to the tragedy; marriage, the plan and the deaths. In all three of these parts Friar Lawrence played a vital role. His attempts to make the marriage of Romeo and Juliet was very admirable but were poorly planned.
Catch22What Is This Novel About Essay Research
? Paper ?Catch-22? What is this novel about? Catch-22 by Joseph Heller is an interesting novel in the fact that throughout the entire novel the plot seems to go nowhere. It just seems to be a bunch of events strung
The Stranger By Albert Camus Essay Research
Paper In The Stranger, Albert Camus portrays Meursault, the book’s narrator and main character, as aloof, detached, and unemotional. He does not think much about events or their consequences, nor does he express much feeling in relationships or during emotional times. He displays an impassiveness throughout the book in his reactions to the people and events described in the book.
Romeo And Juliet Essay Research Paper 2
Romeo And Juliet Essay, Research Paper - The importance of Minor character in Romeo and Juliet- Romeo and Juliet is a play based on love, fate, change and tragedy. It tells the story of two lovers from opposing families ancient feud, in death. Like most stories, the major characters play an important role, such as the decisions in which they take.