The Stanger #2

Throughout the second book of The Stranger there are several references to heat and the sun that offer potential explanation for Meursault's senseless murder. When Meursault is being questioned, he is asked why he paused before firing additional shots. Rather than responding, Meursault flashes back to the beach and explains his thoughts: "Once again I could see the red sand and feel the burning of the sun on my forehead" (67). Although he does not provide explanation for his excessive firing, it is clear that heat of the beach contributed to his lack of judgement. The inclusion of "red sand" and the use of "burning" provides a troubled connotation, suggesting that Meursault was greatly bothered by his discomfort cause by the heat. Irritated by the temperature, Meursault is more likely to make rash decisions and to take unjustified actions. Although annoyance with the heat provides little justification for murder, Meursault's reaction to high temperatures can provide some explanation for his murderous actions.

As questioning continues, Meursault expresses his impatience and directly connects his irritation back to the temperature. After being asked a question about his belief in God, Meursault explains, "I had had enough. It was getting hotter and hotter" (69). Similarly to the murder on the beach, Meursault is bothered by his discomfort caused by the temperature. He becomes irritated with the questions he is being asked and he does not want to continue the questioning. Meursault's reaction to the heat displays his lack of patience with the weather. Meursault attempts to speed up his questioning by mindlessly agreeing with his questioner about religion in order to end his discomfort. Meursault strongly disagrees with religion and the belief in God and his affirmation of the questioner's belief displays his desperation to escape his discomfort from the heat. Although he quickly corrects his agreement and expresses his impiousness, he previously agreed to the belief in God out of desperation. Meursault wanted to escape his discomfort, and he did not think about what he was doing before he acted. Meursault's behavior while being questioned parallels his rash behavior on the beach.