Meursault

The narrator, a male office worker, learns of his mother's death and travels to Marengo for the funeral. Narrates his Saturday and Sunday after his mother's burial, describing swimming with Marie, attending a Fernandel movie, and observing the neighborhood atmosphere. Meursault works at the office, runs after a truck with Emmanuel, eats at Céleste's, drinks wine, sleeps, smokes, and meets the neighbor Raymond Sintés, showing his detached observation of daily life. Has sexual encounter with Marie, agrees to act as witness for Raymond, refuses police involvement, observes Salamano's missing dog, drinks brandy, plays pool, declines whorehouse visit Meursault spends a day at the beach with Marie, Raymond and Masson, becomes involved in a violent confrontation with two Arab men, shoots at an Arab five times, and later walks toward a spring while reflecting on the oppressive heat and his exhaustion. Meursault is arrested, interrogated by the examining magistrate, meets a defense lawyer, and expresses indifference toward his mother’s death and belief in God. Meursault is on trial, gives testimony, offers a cigarette and coffee, and reacts to courtroom proceedings Meursault sits on the dock during the trial, briefly speaks, and receives a death sentence. Meursault reflects on his impending execution, imagines possible escapes, and confronts the chaplain while in his prison cell.