How we cite our quotes:
Quote #1
He added, "You see, she had friends here, people her own age. She was able to share things from the old days with them. You’re young, and it must have been hard for her with you." (1.1.5)
Meursault’s mother made friends with companions who shared her old age and interests, and probably preferred their companionship over Meursault’s which, let’s face it, is about as comforting as a lampshade.
Quote #2
"I’m sure you understand. It’s a rather childish sentiment. But he and your mother were almost inseparable. The others used to tease them and say, ‘Perez has a fiancée.’ He’d laugh. They enjoyed it. (1.1.21)
Maman and Perez find companionship with each other despite their age.
Quote #3
He was with his dog. The two of them have been inseparable for eight years. The spaniel has a skin-disease – mange, I think – which makes almost all of its hair fall out and leaves it covered with brown sores and scabs. After living together for so long, the two of them alone in one tiny room, they’ve ended up looking like each other. […] They look as if they belong to the same species, and yet they hate each other. (1.3.4)
It’s interesting that Salamano and his dog look like they hate each other, especially since later, Salamano is sobbing over the dog’s absence. This is somewhat of a commentary on the nature of companionship; it’s a love-hate thing.