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Writing the Letter
Raymond uses Meurault for his own personal gain by asking him to write the letter for him. Meusault's indifference is shown here by his agreeing to write the letter antagonizing the mistress simply because there is no reason not to. This portrays Meursault's lack of awareness of the repercussions of his actions. Also, Raymond's immoral character amplifies Meusault's amoral detachment from the world by contrasting their emotions and dialogue during their interactions with the letter. -
Raymond's comments about women
Meursault's response to his derogatory comments about women is incredibly apathetic. He cares only about how Raymond acts towards him, and not at all about how he is as a person. It's revealing of the existential idea that he shouldn't worry about Raymond's actions because they don't directly affect him. -
Raymond and the Cop
Meursault's initial refusal to get the police display his focus on physical actions affecting only himself and his lack of acknowledgement for social or emotional effects of an action. His emotionless description of the events further emphasize this as he refuses to judge either the mistress, Raymond, or the cop for their behavior. Meursault simply sees the situation as a physical encounter with no regard for the emotional impact. -
Invite to the Beach
Raymond finds Meursault to be an item able to be used to his benefit. When inviting him to the beach, Raymond thinks he may be of use to him in confrontations with the Arabs. Meursault is indifferent to all that is happening because of his thoughts that none of it will be important in the end whether he does it or not. -
Leaves Meursault on his own
When parting Raymond, Meursault contemplates whether "to stay or to go", thinking it will end the same. This way of thinking about the situation shows Meursault's thought process in his life, that everything will end eventually, so these little decisions are nearly pointless. His existentialist point of view is shown here with his carelessness in all his actions. -
Raymond gets stabbed
It's interesting how stressed out and flustered Meursault gets when Raymond is stabbed. He often comes off as not feeling much emotion but he could hardly deal with the incident when they went back to the house to tell the women what had happened. This shows the depth of character that he has, insofar as he isn't solely an uncaring, existential character.
