Meursault’s passive nature is a manifestation of the perception that nothing matters to him. He leaves everything down to chance. He does not take the initiative in determining his behaviour but rather, he waits for objects or people to trigger his actions. His passive nature can also be seen when, after returning home from work, Raymond invites Meursault for wine and pudding. Meursault was about to cook dinner for himself, but Raymond’s invitation has changed his behaviour. He accepts the invitation only because he has been invited. He does not deliberately seek Raymond. Meursault believes it is impossible to alter his fate. Here, the reader can rediscover his passive nature. Meursault’s willingness to allow things to pass as they come is a sign that nothing really seems to concern him.
Sometimes a person like Meursault can be appealing to others because he is so non-judgemental and uncritical, probably a result of indifference rather than sympathetic feelings. His limited involvement might attract some people because an end result of his distance is a sort of acceptance of others, thus he is not a threat to their egos. Raymond, a neighbour who is a pimp, seems to feel comfortable with Meursault. He doesn’t have to justify himself because Meursault doesn’t comment on how Raymond makes money or how he chooses to live his life. Even thought Meursault shows no strong emotions or deep affection, Marie is still attracted and interested in him. She is aware of, possibly even fascinated by his difference. Despite the seemingly negative qualities of this unemotional man, people nevertheless seem to care for him.
Meursault’s unresponsive behaviour, distant from any apparent emotions, is probably reinforced by the despair which he sees open and feeling individual experience. He observes, for example, Raymond cheated on and hurt by a girlfriend, and sees his other neighbour, Old Salamano, very depressed when he loses a dear companion, his dog. Meursault’s responses are very different, he doesn’t get depressed at death nor does he get emotionally involved. He appears to be totally apathetic. He seems to feel no pain and is protected from life’s disappointments.
