The Stranger #2

            Despite the straightforward language and simple sentence structure in The Stranger, the actual content is complex, forcing the reader to reconcile contradicting emotions. One such emotional paradox is how the reader should feel about Salamano and his dog. Initially, the relationship between the two seems familial; Meursault describes how “[t]he two of them have been inseparable for eight years” (Camus 26). The expectation is that they have a tight bond and that Salamano loves his dog. When Meursault describes their daily walks, however, the relationship seems quite different. Salamano beats and swears at his dog if he goes too fast, and drags him along if he is too slow. Every day, “they both stand there on the sidewalk and stare at each other, the dog in terror, the man in hatred” (27). The reader feels indignant about the abuse the poor dog is subjected too. Many people would wish for the dog to get away from him somehow. However, when he does, Salamano sincerely fears for his safety and wants to get him back. He approaches Meursault, asking, “They’re not going to take him away from me, are they, Monsieur Meursault? They’ll give him back to me. Otherwise what’s going to happen to me?” (39). Salamano seems to genuinely care for his dog. However, the reader now faces a conflict: should Salamano get his dog back, just so he can abuse him once more? As the reader struggles, Meursault does not share any emotion. He notes the impressions of those around him, yet he does not offer his own opinion. Salamano is not the only character who approaches Meursault with problems in his personal life. If Meursault does not actually have emotion, he must at least express some form of understanding to those people that makes them decide to share their troubles with him. Camus’s narrative style prevents the reader from knowing Meursault’s true feelings, so the reader must constantly judge other characters without his input.