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Salamano Treats His Dog Poorly
He, too, once said to me, referring to Salamano, that it was “a damned shame,” and asked me if I wasn’t disgusted by the way the old man served his dog. I answered: “No.” This shows how Mersault is not concerned about the well-being of other things and is very monochrome. Even though Salamano sees him as a friend, Mersault is very indifferent to the things that Salamano does, such as how Salamano treats his dog. -
Salamano Loses His Dog
"He was turning like a teetotum,looking in all directions, and sometimes peering into the darkness of the hall with his little bloodshot eyes." This quote demonstrates that Salamano actually cares about those with which he spends time. His reaction directly contrasts that of Meursault when he found out about his mother's death, furthering the point that Meursault does not actually care about anybody. This is the same situation where he feels like he should care about something but doesn't. -
Meursault Tells Salamano to Get a New Dog
"I suggested he should get another dog, but, reasonably enough, he pointed out that he’d become used to this one, and it wouldn’t be the same thing" After Salamano loses his dog, Meursault suggests that he should just get a new one. This shows us that Meursault fails to see the sentimental or emotional side of things, having no concern for Salamano's feelings. It also shows that Meursault does not value life like Salamano does, seeing any other dog as good as his old one. -
Salamano Shares Nostalgia of His Dog
“He was a cantankerous brute,” Salamano said. “Now and then we had some proper set-tos, he and I. But he was a good mutt all the same.” This quote demonstrates that even though he complains all the time about some people and has his attitude, he can still care for someone and is able to confine his inner feelings with Mersault. Not only that, but around Mersault, he can still show his somewhat sensitive side, like when he is being sentimental about his dog. -
Salamano Sees Meursault as a Friend
"nor did they pay any more attention to Salamano, when he told them how kind I’d always been to his dog" Salamano sees Meursault as a friend, but Meursault does not really see Salamano in the same light. Meursault previously refers to how he doesn't care what happens to his dog. When Meursault tells Salamano about his dog possibly being at the pound, he tells him he cannot help him with the fee. This shows us again that Meursault doesn't really see Salamano the same way and isn't his friend. -
Everybody is Equal
"It all came to the same thing in the end? The same thing for Salamano’s wife and for Salamano’s dog." This quote shows us that Meursault does not necessarily value one life more than another - equating Salmano's wife's life to the life of his dog. Meursault has this realization near the end of the novel as he is contemplating his own death during his bout of rage with the chaplain. It also shows us that Meursault really doesn't care about the death of his wife more than his dog's death.