1. Why does Camus choose to put such emphasis on physical descripition? I believe that Camus puts emphasis on physical feelings and description in an effort to create a distinct separation between metaphysicality and Mersault. I believe that this is a reflection of Camus' own views, which I believe are probably atheist and materialistic, which is why he would choose to focus on physical feelings/observations.
2. Why is Mersault so reluctant to face the women (Marie and Masson's wife)? "I didn't like having to explain to them, so I shut up, smoked a cigarette, and looked at the sea." (54). "...unable to face the effort it would take to climb the wooden staircase and face the women again." (57). "I wanted to hear the murmur of its water again, to escape the sun and the strain and the women's tears." (57). I have two theories that answer this question, the first is that the women act as a representation of society, which Mersault is reluctant to face. The second is that the women remind Mersault of Maman, specifically when he references their tears, which may make him uncomfortable considering we have yet to see him shed a tear for his mother.
3. Why does Mersault put so much emphasis on the sun? I believe that Mersault often has a negative view of the sun, because it is a representation of civilized society. The sun rises and sets each day, and during the time that it is present it provides the Earth with much-needed light and nutrients. In the same way, a civilized society is what provides an individual with a sense of security and calm. This society/sun parallelism is what Mersault conflicts with throughout the novel, as he is involved in this existentialist crisis.
4. Why does Camus/Mersault often describe people's clothing? I believe that Camus often vividly and descriptively describes clothing because he may want to put more emphasis on the clothes than on the person. This may be a way of separating Mersault from other people, in that he notices what they are wearing more than the way a person acts or feels.
5. When Mersault describes action, his sentences are often very short. However, when he describes setting and imagery, his sentences become more elongated, why is this? I believe that Mersault/Camus chooses to use short, precise sentences when describing action because he does not give alot of thought to it, other than reporting what he has seen/done. When describing setting, I believe his sentences often become longer because they are showing more thought and feeling. I believe this is another way that Camus separates Mersault from the reader, and other people in general.
6. Why does Mersault choose to shoot the Arabian? I think that this is a pretty open-ended question, and that there are multiple ways to interpret this action. The best excuse that Mersault can give later in the book is something along the lines of the sun was bothering him, but this is obviously not a valid reason for murder. I personally think that there is no reason that Mersault killed the Arabian. I think that the absence of a reason, other than the heat, creates a feeling of absurdity and rediculousness, which I believe was Camus' intention. This senseless murder is absurd. But is it possible? Do people sometimes do rediculous and stupid things without really having any reason? The question is rhetorical, but I believe my point is clear. Camus is attempting to say that life is absurd.
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