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Meursault first describes Raymond (p. 28)
Meursault first describes Raymond as "not very popular" and as being "a little on the short side, with broad shoulders, and a nose like a boxer's," but that he does not mind spending time with Raymond because he finds what he has to say interesting. The fact that Raymond's unpopularity does not phase M shows that he is unconcerned with the merit of a person, he just wants to enjoy spending time with them to some extent. His honest description of Raymond demonstrates his analytical nature. -
No reason not to please Raymond (p. 32)
Meursault writes the unkind letter to the woman who "cheated" on Raymond because "he did not have any reason not to write the letter," so he figured he would just try his best to please Raymond. This shows Meurault's apathy and lack of moral conscience, because he is helping a pimp punish a woman who he had abused who was able to escape him. -
Meursault becomes "pals" with Raymond (p. 33)
Meursault agrees to become friends with Raymond, without fully understanding his character, or why the qualities of his character may not be considered the best characteristics for a pal. Meursault's apathetic nature prevents him from understanding some social interactions; if Meursault was less apathetic he may have been able to realize that Raymond may not be the best friend, and, ultimately, he would not have ended up on the beach where he murdered a man. -
Meursault's refusal to call the cops and Raymond's encounter with the police officer (p. 36)
Meursault's refusal to call the cops even when a human life is potentially in danger shows that he ranks his general dislike of policemen above someone's safety, which again demonstrates his apathy, indifference, and self-oriented human nature. -
"I thought it was a nice moment" (p. 38)
After going out with Meursault for a game of pool, they walk back and Raymond tells him "how glad he was that he'd been able to give the woman what she deserved." Typically, a statement like this would make someone feel uncomfortable, even only slightly, however Meursault doesn't think much of it. Instead, he "thought it was a nice moment." This shows Meursault's apathy and lack of care for anything including morals. -
Meursault rationalizes the situation with Raymond and the Arabs (p. 56)
Meursault displays his rational nature in this scene. He doesn't make his decisions based on feelings, but rather logical reasoning. He is firm with Raymond in that he shouldn't shoot without cause, and that is the first time he has really said no to him. His lack of emotion shows through when he says that he won't hesitate to let the Arab "have it" if he moves in on Raymond. He does not think about the consequences of shooting the Arab -
Raymond testifies for Meursault during the court trial (p. 95-96)
Raymond defended Meursault during court by stating that Meursault was innocent and that they were pals. His own reputation of being a "warehouse guard" is questioned and further negatively impacts the trial's view on Meursault. Despite knowing that agreeing to be Raymond's friend might affect the impact of his trial, he still replied that they were friends which shows that despite always seeming apathetic towards everything and everyone, he is a human being and cares for some things.
