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Essay / The Reliable Narrator in The Outsider fascinating exploration of the nature of truth and the reliability of the narrator. The protagonist, Meursault, serves as the story's narrator, recounting the events that led to his eventual trial and conviction for murder. However, as we delve deeper into the story, it becomes clear that Meursault's point of view is not always reliable. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayMeursault's IndifferenceOne of the key aspects that makes Meursault an unreliable narrator is his indifference towards events and emotions which surround it. From the beginning of the novel, we are introduced to his detached and apathetic nature. For example, when Meursault learns of his mother's death, he demonstrates a lack of conventional grief, going so far as to describe the funeral procession as a mere inconvenience. This emotional detachment creates a barrier between the reader and the events of the story, making it difficult to fully trust Meursault's interpretation of events. Detachment from Relationships Additionally, Meursault's indifference extends to his relationships with others. Throughout the novel, he maintains a feeling of detachment from those around him, even those close to him. This is evident in his treatment of Marie, his girlfriend, whom he views as nothing more than a source of physical pleasure. He demonstrates a lack of emotional investment in their relationship, leading the reader to question the sincerity of his feelings. This lack of emotional connection further undermines Meursault's reliability as a narrator, because it introduces the possibility that he might twist the truth to fit his own narrative. Distorted Perception of Reality Another factor that contributes to Meursault's unreliability is his distorted perception of reality. As the novel progresses, we witness his increasingly erratic behavior and his descent into a state of existential crisis. This is illustrated in his confrontation with the Arab on the beach, where Meursault shoots and kills him seemingly without cause. Meursault's subsequent trial and conviction can be seen as a consequence of his failure to conform to society's norms and expectations. As a reader, we must ask ourselves if Meursault's interpretation of events is accurate or if it is simply a reflection of his own distorted perception of reality. Tendency toward Self-Deception In addition to his indifference and distorted perception, Meursault also exhibits a tendency toward self-deception. self-deception. Throughout the novel, he repeatedly justifies and rationalizes his actions, refusing to accept responsibility for the consequences of his choices. This self-deception is particularly evident in his final confrontation with the chaplain, where Meursault denies the existence of a higher power and clings to his own belief in the absurdity of life. This reluctance to face the truth further undermines his reliability as a narrator, because it suggests that he is intentionally distorting the events of the story to fit his own worldview. Insights into the Human Condition Despite these instances of unreliability, it is important to note that Meursault's narrative provides valuable insights into the human condition. His indifference and detachment serve as a critique of societal norms and expectations, highlighting the absurdity of human existence. Moreover,.
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