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How does Meursault behave at his mother’s funeral in The Stranger?
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Albert Camus
Albert Camus, photograph by Henri Cartier-Bresson.
In Albert Camus's novel The Stranger, the protagonist Meursault displays a notable lack of emotional response during his mother’s funeral. While those around him express grief, Meursault does not show any outward signs of distress or sadness.1
This behavior is central to the character's portrayal of anomie and his refusal to conform to societal expectations regarding how one "should" feel or act in such circumstances. Meursault’s detachment at the funeral becomes a significant point of contention during his later trial, where the prosecution uses his apparent apathy and lack of remorse as evidence of his callous nature, ultimately contributing to his conviction.1