Part 2, Chapter 2 Summary

In this chapter, the reality of prison life dawns on Meursault. He finally understands that he is being punished by being deprived of things that free men take for granted. At first, Meursault cannot understand why he has been denied his cigarettes, since they do not harm anyone else. A guard explains that withholding the cigarettes is a punishment. Meursault is put into a cell by himself and he can still see the water and the changing shades of the sunlight as each day progresses.

Marie visits only one time and the visiting room is a cacophony of noise and bright lights. The noise and sound distract Meursault so much that it is hard for him to communicate with Marie. The couple is separated by a divider in the huge room, so they cannot touch. Marie tries to instill hope in...