Merusault From The Stranger Suffers From Antisocial Personality Disorder
by This article goes into a detailed analysis of the character Meursault from the novel, Stranger, and diagnosis him with Antisocial Personality Disorder. It uses textual evidence from the novel and from credited medical sources.
It is my conclusion that if Patient 1 did not suffer from ASPD, he would not have been sentenced to death. This conclusion is based off of the fact that everything that had happened in his life was a direct result of either his indifference or his susceptibility to violence. Meursault’s lack of a relationship with his mother and his indifference towards her allowed the prosecution to paint Meursault as a ruthless, soulless man. Furthermore, if Meursault wasn’t irritated easily and wasn’t prone to violence, he would have not attacked and killed the Arab in the first place. Also, his indifference alienated the judge, prosecutor, and acquaintances. In essence, it is not only clear that Meursault suffers from ASPD, but he would not have committed the crimes that he did if he was not afflicted with the disorder.
All in all, one cannot deny that Patient 1 has Antisocial Personality Disorder. Due to his lack of relationships and his inability to feel anything, along with his irritability and lack of remorse, it is clear that Mr. Meursault suffers from ASPD. It is also evident that this disorder has taken over Patient 1’s life and completely destroyed him. It is therefore my advice that Patient 1 undergoes a treatment regiment immediately and his appeal be granted.
Works Cited
Camus, Albert. Stranger. New York: Vintage International, 1988.
Turkington, Carol, and Joseph R. Harris, and American Bookworks. “antisocial personality disorder.” The Encyclopedia of Learning Disabilities, Second Edition. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2006. Health Reference Center. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?ItemID=WE48&SID=5&iPin= ELDSE0034&SingleRecord=True (accessed October 15, 2009).
Veague, Heather Barnett. “personality disorder cluster B: the ‘impulsive’ cluster.” Personality Disorders, Psychological Disorders. New York: Chelsea House Publishing, 2007. Health Reference Center. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?ItemID=WE48&SID=5&iPin= PDPERS0003&SingleRecord=True (accessed October 15, 2009).
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