The Stranger Isolation Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph). We used Matthew Ward's translation, published by Vintage International published in 1989.

Quote #7

On their way out, and much to my surprise, they all shook my hand – as if that night during which we hadn’t exchanged as much as a single word had somehow brought us closer together. (1.1.18)

Meursault does not subscribe to society’s rules about closeness; he does not easily attach or identify with other people.

Quote #8

It had been a long time since I'd been out in the country, and I could feel how much I'd enjoy going for a walk if it hadn't been for Maman. (1.1.19)

Meursault is so matter-of-fact in his physical desires that he has no room for sadness or sentimentality in his heart.

Quote #9

[M]y joy when the bus entered the nest of lights that was Algiers and I knew I was going to go to bed and sleep for twelve hours. (1.1.27)

Ever notice that Meursault sleeps a lot? Yes, we did too.