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 #1
For now, it’s almost as if Maman weren’t dead. After the funeral, though, the case will be closed, and everything will have a more official feel to it. (1.1.2)
Closure = certainty. Meursault suspends his emotional attachment until something is made "official," or at least certain.
Quote #2
[A] soldier […] smiled at me and asked if I’d been traveling long. I said, "Yes," just so I wouldn’t have to say anything else. (1.1.4)
When The Stranger begins, Meursault has no interest in other people whatsoever. This will gradually change as the novel progresses.
Quote #3
"I suppose you’d like to see your mother."
[…]
"We put the cover on, but I’m supposed to unscrew the casket so you can see her." He was moving toward the casket when I stopped him. He said, "You don’t want to?" I answered, "no." He was quiet, and I was embarrassed because I felt I shouldn’t have said that. (1.1.6-8)
Meursault recognizes that his detachment is unacceptable.