ourney and the heat. He admits,
“I probably did love Maman, but that didn't mean anything.”
This may sound heartless, but it shows that Meursault refuses to lie. Most people in society hide their true feelings to appear kind or moral, but Meursault speaks the truth. His honesty makes him seem innocent in a world full of pretenders. Camus uses this honesty to show that Meursault is pure in his own way — he does not fake love, sorrow, or guilt.
His Isolation and Loneliness: Camus also makes readers feel pity for Meursault because of his deep loneliness. He has no real friends or family connections. His mother’s death leaves him emotionally alone. His relationship with Marie is simple and physical, not romantic. Even during his trial, no one stands by him.
When the court discusses his life, he feels like a stranger watching his own story. This feeling of isolation makes readers see him as a helpless person rather than a cruel murderer. His loneliness is not his fault—it is the result of a world that cannot accept someone different.
A Crime Without Hatred: The murder on the beach also creates sympathy. Meursault does not kill the Arab out of anger or evil intention. The act happens suddenly under the heat of the sun. He feels the sun is oppressive, same as it was the day his mother died. The bright light, heat, and sweat make Meursault dizzy and confused. The gun goes off almost by accident. When the court asks him why he killed the Arab, his honest answer is—
“Because of the sun.”
The court cannot accept this honest answer and laughs at him. By describing the scene this way, Camus makes readers understand that Meursault is not a heartless killer. He is a simple man trapped in an absurd moment. His action shows the lack of logic in life, not cruelty in his heart. Readers realize that Meursault’s crime is less about morality and more about the meaninglessness of human existence.
Meursault’s Awakening Before Death: In prison, Meursault finally begins to understand life more deeply. When the priest visits him, he refuses religion but feels close to the natural world. He thinks of the stars, the sea, and the sky, and he feels peace in his heart. He realizes that life is short and death comes to everyone. He accepts this truth calmly and without fear. He says:
"I opened myself to the gentle indifference of the world.”
This quiet acceptance makes readers admire him. Camus makes his death a moment of freedom, not punishment. Readers feel sympathy because Meursault faces death with courage and honesty.
To wrap up, Camus makes readers sympathize with Meursault by showing his honesty, loneliness, and inner truth. Though he kills a man and never pretends to repent, he remains sincere and human. The world around him is false and judgmental, while Meursault is simple and truthful. His crime becomes less important than his struggle to live honestly in an absurd world.
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