How is Raymond, as a
key character, portrayed in the novel The
Outsider?
We see each
character in the novel The Outsider through
the narration of Meursault’s eyes. However we as the audience do not paint a
picture of each character based only on what Meursault says. The whole
description is built of stories, other people’s opinions, the characters
actions, reactions and their habits. Raymond is one of the most important
characters who happen to turn the whole novel around. His characteristics might just be key to the
whole novel. Therefore I look at how his character is displayed throughout the
story.
Meursault’s
description of Raymond’s physical appearance is quite short compared to the
other factors, which Meursault takes into account. From the physical
description we are already pointed towards Raymond’s self confident and
presumptuous character. He is described as being ''fairly short, with broad
shoulders and a nose like a boxer.'' Although Meursault never takes notice, or
describes, Raymond’s characteristics, the reader is bound to make conclusions
based on the descriptions given by Meursault. In this case when Meursault
describes Raymond as ''fairly short, with broad shoulders''. The reader can
assume that even though Raymond is at a disadvantage (being short) he stands
true for what he believes in, which is portrayed by the broad shoulders. The ''
nose like a boxer'' stands to back that up because the comparison to a boxer
can be associated with the fearless behaviour of one in the ring. Hence we come
to the conclusion that Raymond will always fight for who he is or what he
believes in, despite any disadvantages he might have or be in. From the short description,
which is provided by Meursault we also come to the conclusion that he does not
judge, people based on their looks.
Secondly we
can understand more of Raymond’s character from what others deem of him.
Meursault does not pin what others think of Raymond to him, it doesn't change
his opinion in any way. ''Local people say he lives off of women.'' This is a conclusion, which Meursault would
have never thought of, therefore Camus presents it in the book as something the
local people think of Raymond, to help the reader understand more about him. The reader can therefore understand that
Raymond takes no consideration with the feelings of others and has no remorse.
This is later on reassured when Raymond openly admits that he knows what other
people think. ''He immediately added that he knew what local people said.'' He
mentions it to turn down such a conclusion but the mere action of bringing it
up portrays that he simply doesn't care what others say. This is because we
later find out that the local sayings about Raymond are correct, he disagrees
with them yet he doesn't do anything to change their assumptions. Showing that
he simply doesn't care.
Furthermore,
as I have mentioned earlier Meursault does not take any notice of
characteristics. Therefore Camus has included Raymond’s characteristics into
the novel through Raymond’s own words.
''It's not that I'm a troublemaker, but I am no coward.'' Again Raymond
talks about himself not only to reassure Meursault but also to give a better
idea of who he is to the reader. Referring back to my first paragraph Raymond’s
description of himself proves that he stands strong for what he believes in and
that he never underestimates himself. As conveyed by ''I am no coward.'' On top of that Camus has Raymond explain his
own story so that the reader can make conclusions about him more easily, mainly
because he is less narrow minded than Meursault. ''He went for me first.'' Through Raymond’s
description of the event, not only can the reader tell that Raymond never
carries the blame himself, we can also relate back to Meursault’s visual
description of him as our conclusion of his presumptuous character is bolstered.
Lastly as
Meursault describes the physical condition of Raymond’s room, we can make
assumptions of his character through objects. ''His room was dirty and the bed
unmade.'' As Meursault is a very literal observer the reader only receives a
limited amount of knowledge on Raymond’s character from Meursault. However from
literal descriptions such as ones of his room we as the reader can conclude
quite a lot about him. The fact that his room was left in a poor condition points
to Raymond’s lack of the primary principle of order and hygiene. From him
leaving the room, he spends most of his time in, untidy also conveys that he is
unable to organise himself to find the time where he could clean it up for the
sake of his well being. Otherwise it simply shows that Raymond does not
care. ''Some photos of famous sportsmen
and two or three pin ups.'' The vague description of his room decor shows that
he just doesn't care. Using words such as ''some'' and ''two or three''
portrays the random placement of the objects in his room and links back to Raymond’s
untidy nature.
In
conclusion if the novel was to be written primarily from Meursault’s mind,
without any quotations, stories or thoughts of other people, it would be very
hard for the reader to paint a picture of each character. This is because
Meursault as a narrator is very honest however at the same time he can focus on
something completely unimportant and as a result can come across as narrow
minded. What we also learn is that Raymond is a very universal character, one
which is typically confident and full of self esteem, someone who is bound to
start a conflict and turn the novel around.
