How are the Protagonists of Perfume and The Outsider Essay Example

proper family. At the vigil of his mother, Mersault has the audacity to smoke a cigarette, 'It really didn't matter. This is audacious as it was as an incredibly disrespectful and careless action which conveys the image of Mersault being less than human and not paying proper respect to the circumstances. It could be the intention of Camus to demonstrate that in solely following our instincts or wants we can alienate ourselves from others, Mersault has done nothing wrong, but he has done something at an awkward time. He hasn't adhered to the social 'codes of conduct' at his mother's funeral. Throughout the scene in the home, the reader discovers more about this strange man and how he thinks.

Mersault expresses his discomfort with the bright lights and his back pain, indicating that he is more concerned about them than his mother's death. This suggests that Mersault may subconsciously feel guilt about his relationship with his mother. Instead of mourning her loss, he chooses to go swimming in the following days, behaving unexpectedly.

In an unexpected turn of events following a recent bereavement, Mersault encounters a young woman named Marie Cordona and engages in a swim together, eventually reaching a buoy. Surprisingly, after this enjoyable time in the sun, he invites her to watch a film with him. Mersault's actions defy societal expectations, positioning him as an outsider due to his unconventional behavior in the face of significant loss. While most people would find solace in mourning and withdraw from social activities, Camus portrays Mersault as someone who defies these norms and prefers to act on his own volition. This serves as an

illustration of his existentialist way of life.

Mersault is completely unaware of the fact that he lives his life in this manner, although there is abundant evidence to support it. Existentialism, a philosophical movement that highlights the importance of individual freedom and choice, is used by Camus to depict Mersault as an outcast. Mersault now exert his own will and act according to his desires without considering how his actions may impact those around him. Mersault's behavior is driven by necessity, such as when he unconsciously disregards the mourning process for his mother's death and proceeds to indulge in a cigarette.

Mersault demonstrates a consistent approach to all circumstances, disregarding potential influences on societal perception. Consequently, Mersault's actions maintain an objective quality. For instance, on page 29, when questioned about his mother's age at the time of her death, Mersault offers a simple response, stating, "About sixty." This implies a distant connection with his mother, which deviates from societal norms considering she is the sole reason for his existence. Through this illustration, Camus portrays Mersault as having unconventional relationships characterized by infrequent displays of emotion. Even as a young infant, Grenouille exhibits traits that deviate from the norm.

The wet nurse of Grenouille complains that he consumes an excessive amount and is not like others. As a result, the priest takes him in. The priest, upon observing the baby, notices that it does not have any scent. This realization is followed by a startling awakening of Grenouille. As the child starts to scream, the priest hesitates to use the word 'devil', knowing it would be inappropriate for a clergyman. Therefore, this incident distinguishes Grenouille from the rest of

the people, as he is almost referred to as a devil shortly after his birth, a time when one is expected to be pure.

It is concerning to witness Mersault's reaction when asked if he feels remorseful for murdering the Arab. Mersault's response, '... instead of genuine regret, I experienced a sort of irritation,' completely severs any connection between Mersault and the rest of humanity in terms of not regretting a murder. This event holds immense significance in the book as it allows the reader to truly grasp his character, and based on this statement, one could argue that he is far from ordinary. Similarly, Grenouille has a moment of revelation while residing in one of his foster homes.

Camus depicts Mersault as an outsider in his novel by emphasizing his unique sense of smell, which sets him apart from others and results in his exclusion from the group of children he is being looked after. These children are afraid of him and avoid any contact with him. Ultimately, Mersault's actions defy societal expectations, revealing him to be a nonconformist. However, it is important to recognize that he does not deliberately rebel against society; instead, he behaves out of necessity, which may or may not align with widely accepted social norms.

Mersault's distinctive perspective on life differentiates him from others, despite possessing all human qualities. His occasional lack of social interaction hinders his personal growth, leaving the reader with limited insight into his character. In contrast, Camus' novel provides intricate details about other characters that are equivalent to what is known about Mersault. Similarly, Grenouille is depicted as an outsider because of his role as a

murderer.

He is highly distinct for his actions of murder and his display of hatred towards others. Similarly, he deviates from societal norms by killing to create the perfect scent. Not only is he a murderer, but Skind also portrays him as an outsider due to his disdain for humanity. Grenouille frequently connects Man with waste and decaying refuse, as he has frequently fled from the odors of humans that can be as repulsive as the smell of manure. This anti-social behavior further isolates Grenouille, limiting his relationships and interactions with other humans.