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The Beginning of the End
On page one Maman is dead. Meursault isn't very upset about this. He didn't even know the exact day that her death happened or the age that Maman was. In fact, he doesn't really show any emotion at all. When he's sitting around Maman's friends at the wake, all of them are mourning and one lady is in tears. Meursault sits there saying how he wishes that he could tell her to stop. The fact that Mersult doesn't grieve over Maman's death shows how he doesn't care what happens to him. -
It's All the Same
After his excursion with Marie on Sunday, Meursault knows that Maman is buried now, but to him nothing has really changed. Meursault is only concerned with his well-being, and since Maman is no longer a part of his daily life, her death has no effect on him. This shows Meursault's lack of emotional attachment; he views his own mother's death as inconsequential. -
Walking to the Funeral
As Meursault was walking, the beauty of the countryside caused him to be able to understand Maman better. Meursault thought he understood why Maman would go for walks with Monsieur Pérez at night: because the scenery is beautiful but the summer sun is too oppressive. He is unable to see the true value in walking at night with a companion, which shows he is unable to connect and understand other people emotionally. -
Meursault answers about Maman's death
When asked how he feels about Maman's death, Meursault answers that he would rather she hadn't died. This answer is pretty neutral and unemotional, but it is still more emotion than he has shown in the past. However, his impassive answer gives us a look into his indifference to what happens to him and those around him. -
Details about Maman
While in prison, Meursault is dreading the day when someone would come to take him to the guillotine. He then tells us that "Maman used to say you can always find something to be happy about". This is one of the first details we get about Maman in the whole book.In his time of trouble and fear, he thinks about something comforting his mother told him. He values his mom's advice and relationship more than we knew he did, and goes to her words in times of trouble. -
His Last Thought
At the end of his life when Meursault is about to die, he thinks about Maman for the first time in a long time. He feels empathy for her and realizes that at the end of her life she probably wanted to relive it all, just like he does now. This is the first time Meursault really feels empathy towards anyone and seems more human. He actually cares about Maman and whether he lives or dies. He has started to grow exponentially from his original state of indifference to life and death.