Journal #3

Camus splits the novel into two parts for the narrator's purpose. In part one, he is explaining the events leading up to his imprisonment that resulted in his new ideas about life. In the first half, although in past tense, there is less of a sense of story telling: "I even had the impression that the dead woman lying in front of them didn't mean anything to them. But I think now that was a false impression" (11). In part two, we learn a lot about Meaursalt's thoughts. Even though he is living in a prison now he still holds his content personality. "I was almost surprised that I had ever enjoyed anything other than those rare moments when the judge would mead me to the door at his office" (71). However, the longer in prison he is the more realizations he has of life. He begins to reflect on life and meaning because "life was coming to a standstill" (72). In part one the sunlight was a given, to the point where it was unbearable. In prison he strains "toward the light" (73). The split shows the actions of a free man and the thoughts of a restrained man.