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Meursault gazes across the courtroom to spot Salamano
During a difficult, trying time for Meursault, he sees people he cares about in the courtroom. Although he seems apathetic on the surface, he truly wants to have friends and wants them to come through for him in his time of need. Similarly, the fact that they are there for him illustrates that although he attempts to remain detached from the people in his life, he is actually an open and caring individual to whom others can turn when they are in need. -
Meursault's First Encounter with Salamano
Salamano and his dog are similar, but they hate each other because Salamano sees himself in the dog. Additionally, their relationship is mostly based on routine, much like Meursault's life. Rather than making decisions, Salamano and Meursault both simply continue with the way their lives have been so far. Similarly, this love-hate relationship between Salamano and his dog reflects Meursault's relationship with his mother: he cares about her but finds it difficult to express. -
Meursault Tells Marie about Salamano
Marie laughs when Meursault tells her about the relationship between Salamano and his dog, illustrating the fact that she doesn't understand their relationship the way Meursault does. He relates to Salamano and his dog, because he too has relationships that he doesn't enjoy being in; some of them are seen as more of a struggle than something positive. Furthermore, in his relationship with his mother, he was only part of it out of obligation rather than true emotions. -
Meursault and Raymond Run Into Salamano
Meursault comforts Salamano after the loss of his dog, conveying the fact that Meursault is capable of being empathetic. Although he attempts to block out his emotions and sever himself from others, his approachable side shows through which allows Salamano to express his grievances to Mersault. Also, he thinks suddenly of Maman, illustrating that he didn't appreciate his relationship with her until it was too late. -
Salamano Hits Up Meursault
Meursault comforts Salamano again, illustrating his empathy in certain situations. Then, Salamano brings up Maman, saying that he does not blame Meursault for putting her in the home. No matter what Meursault did, he could not have stopped Maman's aging, so there was no point to trying. -
Salamano Testifies for Meursault
Salamano testifies for Meursault, but no one listens, because they don't understand him. Salamano's relationship with his dog parallels Meursault's relationship with Maman. Meursault did love her, but he loved her in a way that was difficult for most people to understand. Therefore, when Salamano tries to explain this relationship, no one listens. Similarly, Salamano understands the injustice of the trial and how people are only focusing on Maman and not Meursault's crime.
