The English Journal and the Question of the Two Parts

It is interesting that Albert Camus divided the Stranger into two parts. It is somewhat logical, part one consisting of Mr. Meursault's life before the murder of the Arab and part two containing the aspects of Meursault's imprisonment and trial. However, it seems rather unnecessary. A more plausible explanation is that Camus separated the book as a stylistic/thematic decision -- that is, if we believe good authors fill their books full of insightful, hidden pieces of theme, consciously or unconsciously. Back from the tangent, I believe that Camus separated his book to show how decisions comes with consequences, which, if I am correct, is an element of Existentialism. Part one is Meursault's decisions, and part two is the decisions coming back to haunt him.

In part one, Camus writes mainly of Meursault's day-to-day wants and needs. Meursault's physical needs seem to take precedence over almost anything. Meursault even "[explained] that my nature was such that my physical needs often got in the way of my feelings" (Camus 65). Meursault smokes at his mother's funeral, falls asleep constantly, hunger often cause other characters to think that he's weird.

Part two mainly describes the consequences Meursault faces and accepts. He understands that he is a criminal and accepts the punishment without a second thought. Speaking with the head guard Meusault understands the purpose of prison. "'They've taken away your freedom' I'd never thought about that. I agreed." (Camus 78). Meursault understands and accepts the consequences of his actions, and like a good little absurd hero, finds meaning in the struggle with the punishment and rebels and renders the punishment useless.