. . . the presiding judge told me in bizarre language that I was to have my head cut off in a public square in the name of the French people. This line really struck for a multitude of reasons. The tone was brutal and old-fashioned, reminding me of the French Revolution. It made me wonder if it was meant to critique misplaced patriotism, or maybe the power of a mob. But a mob is not the driving force of this scene. The judge announcing this verdict is. Maybe this line is instead a criticism of the justice system. Meursault's usual flat, impersonal tone seems to convey more in this scene: for once, there is an iceberg. He is shocked, but there is also a sardonic nature in his words. The 'bizzare language' in particular suggests a larger criticism of the artificiality, the inaccessibility of the justice system. Meursault has been pretty bewildered throughout his trial. Previous scenes have shown a sort of brutality in the court's manner towards various witnesses - ...
Annette - Nonfiction Writing