The Stranger: Journal 7

Camus creates 2 parts for two reasons: First, in order to create and build tension. Camus lays the groundwork for the story in Part 1, and much of the action happens in Part 2. Secondly, Camus compares Mersault's personality from Part 1 to Part 2. This is shown by two similar passages: the first at the end of Ch. 1 in Part 1, and at the end of Ch. 3 in Part 2. Both use long sentences describing a scene full of things that Mersault loves. However, in part 2, Mersault is looking back on these things, realizing that he has now been robbed of these "simplest and most lasting joys". Part 1 establishes these joys that Mersault loves but doesn't think are anything special. Part 2 shows Mersault's discovery that these simple joys are what gave his life meaning-the value that he put into things. Supporting this discovery is the scene where the chaplain tells Mersault that he must have wanted a religious life at some time. Mersault realizes that he has lived a more meaningful life than anyone who has been religious because he knows exactly what meaning his life has: He gave his own life meaning.