The Stranger #1

The narrative presented in The Stranger by Albert Camus is distinct through the syntax, tone and style. The opening of the novel automatically sets the tone as morbid and disinterested: "Maman died today. Or yesterday maybe, I don't know" (Camus 3). There is no emotion or reaction from Meursault in respect to his mother's death, this is unnatural and surprising. Meursault's tone is detached throughout the entire first part of the novel. He has a lack of empathy towards others. His passionless actions and thoughts make him a mysterious character. The reader is constantly trying to piece together what Meursault's motives are because he does not justify them through his narration.