How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph). We used Stuart Gilbert's translation.
Quote #4
"What struck me as queer was that he always seemed to want to start up a conversation. But he should have seen that I was busy with my work" Grand turned to Rieux and added rather shyly: "Some private work." (1.4.20)
Cottard wants to break out of his isolation, but the rest of the world is unresponsive to his attempts to integrate into society.
Quote #5
Cottard seemed to have a preference for gangster films. But the thing that had struck him most about the man was his aloofness, not to say his mistrust of everyone he met. (1.8.9)
Cottard’s separation from society is clearly the source of his troubles.
Quote #6
Since his attempt at suicide, Cottard had had no more visitors. In the streets, in shops, he was always trying to strike up friendships To the grocer he was all affability; no one could take more pains than he to show his interest in the tobacconist’s gossip. (1.8.12)
Cottard is isolated by his actions, but nonetheless he shows himself to be a man of sympathy by trying to give to others the friendship and affability he has been denied.