Topic: Mersault's use of short, declaritive sentences.
Thesis: In Albert Camus' The Stranger, Mersault's use of short and declarative sentences provides a contrast between this and the levity and seriousness of Mersault's crime. Through this, Camus expresses a cynical view of society and it's justice system.
1. "...I had this stupid urge to cry, because I could feel how much all of these people hated me." (90).
2. "'You see, you see!' he said. 'You do believe, don't you, and you're going to place your trust in Him, aren't you?' Obviously, again I said no." (69).
3. "I thought my case was pretty simple.[...]and said he had gone over my file. My case was a tricky one." (63-64).
4. "'Wait a minute! Who's the accused here? Being accused counts for something. And I have something to say!' But on second thought, I didn't have anything to say." (98).
5. "You heard him didn't you? He knows how to answer. He knows the value of words." (100).
6. "I said, almost at random, in fact, that I never intended to kill the Arab[...]I sounded, I blurted out that it was because of the sun." (103).
7. "I thought it was a way to exclude me even further from the case, reduce me to nothing, and, in a sense, substitue himself for me." (103).
8. "...the presiding judge told me in bizarre language that I was to have my head cut off in a public square in the name of the French people[...]But the presiding judge asked me if I had anthing to say. I thought about it. I said, 'No.'" (107).
9. "He told me that I'd have to act as a witness for him. It didn't matter to be, but I didn't know what I was supposed to say." (37).
10. "Marie shouted to me that I had to have hope. I said, 'Yes.'" (75).
11. "'I am convinced, gentlement,' he added, raising his voice, 'that you will not think it too bold of me if I suggest to you that the man who is steated in the dock is also guilty of the murder to be tried in court tomorrow. He must be punished accordingly.'[...]My head was spinning with heat and astonishment." (102).
12. "...and without looking at me he stated that, with the court's permission, he would like to know whether I had gone back to the spring by myself intending to kill the Arab. 'No,' I said. Well, then why was I aarmed and why did I return precisely to that spot? I said it just happened that way. And the prosecutor noted in a nasty voice, 'That will be all for now.'" (88).
13. "The result was our discussions became more cordial. A few questions, a brief conversation with my lawyer, and the examinations were over. As the magistrate put in, my case was taking it's course." (70).
14. "On my way out, I was even going to shake his hand, but just in time, I remembered that I had killed a man." (64).
15. "He asked me if he could sat that that day I had held back my natural feelings. I said, 'No, because it's not true.' He gave me a strange look, as if he found me slightly disgusting." (65).
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