Examine Comus’ use of symbolism in part one of The Stranger. In your answer, you must discuss the connection between the symbolism and the character of Mersault.
In the chapter one of the novel, we can all see several uses of symbolism to portray the character Mersault. Because the narrator of the book itself is Mersault himself, who feels very little emotion or none at all. Because Mersault barely discuss about his emotions and feelings. Camus’ use of symbolism creates connection to the character of Mersault.
Mersault has been discovered to be annoyed by heat, light and the sun. He finds these unbearable and a hindrance to him. When Mersault was walking to the church, he finds himself quite annoyed by the strong light and heat. He expresses that ‘it was inhuman and oppressive.’ During this walk, Mersault was quite tired and annoyed. Strong heat and light is the symbol of his frustration. Same use of symbolism can be found on page 57 when Mersault is on the beach watching over the Arabs. It reads, ‘there was the same dazzling red glare… all that heat was pressing down on me…’ This took place after the Arabs brutally attacked and assaulted Raymond injuring him. Mersault held the gun and started to shoot the Arab because he was annoyed by the light reflecting from Arab’s knife on his face. Shot the Arab once and again four more time with no remorse whatsoever. The book says that the light took control over Mersault and caused him to do the shooting. Mersault himself doesn’t quite know why exactly he did the shooting of the Arab who was the brother of the Mistress, but he blames the light. ‘Overpowering’ heat and the light also acts as a warning.
