Stranger Journal #5

I think that Camus created two parts to The Stranger because there is a major change in Meursault's routine and his daily life.  Although there is a major change in Meursault's life he quickly adapts and becomes used to his new surroundings and daily routine.  In part I, Meursault smokes many ciggarettes, "I stayed in bed until noon, smoking cigarettes" (Camus/Gilbert 25), "After smoking a couple of cigarettes" (27).  When Meursault is arrested in part II, all that was on him was taken away from him, including his cigarettes which he is clearly addicted to, "The lack of cigarettes, too, was a trial. [...]  But, by the time I understood, I'd lost the craving, so it had ceased to be a punishment" (97).  Other things have changed in Meursault's life, such as "[his] habit of thinking like a free man.  For instance, I would suddely be seized with a desire to go down to the beach for a swim. [...]  Afterward, I had prisoner's thoughts. [...]  I had come to watch for my lawyer's odd neckties, or, in another world, to wait patiently till Sunday for a spell of love-making with Marie." (95).  Meursault's "typical Sunday afternoon" (27) as he called it is now different.  It has changed from making love with Marie, watching the bustling town, the sea, smoking cigarettes, going to the sea and swimming to thinking, sleeping, and other activities.  Yet Meursault still has the "one life was as good as aonther, and my present one suited me" (52) way of thinking.  I think that Camus has created a part one and a part two to see how Meursault reacts to this change in his life.