Rereading Camus: Meursault as an Educated, Reflective Man

A critical rereading of Albert Camus' 1942 novel 'The Stranger' challenges the scholarly consensus that protagonist Meursault is intellectually and emotionally stunted. Philosopher Robert Solomon, in 'Dark Feelings, Grim Thoughts' (2006), claims Meursault is barely capable of thought or feeling. However, the first-person narration and Meursault's social standing contradict this. He holds a white-collar job, is considered intelligent and likable by peers, and attended university before leaving to care for his mother. When Raymond asks him to write a deceitful letter, he does so competently. During the beach altercations, Meursault cleverly disarms Raymond by offering to shoot himself, showing strategic thinking. David Sherman, in 'Camus' (2008), omits this second altercation to argue Meursault lives in Sartrean bad faith, but the text shows Meursault reflecting on his choices. The article argues that scholars like Solomon and Sherman create a 'second Meursault' not found in the novel, mirroring the prosecutor's misrepresentation at trial.