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Thomas Perez is an elderly man who lives at the same care home as Meursault’s mother and was her constant companion during her time there. The novel contrasts his recognizable and deep sorrow over the loss of Meursault’s mother with Meursault’s detachment. At the trial, Mr. Perez mentions that he was so caught up in his grief during Meursault’s mother’s funeral that he didn’t notice Meursault’s demeanor at all. The prosecution attempts to distort his lack of knowledge into meaning that Meursault didn’t cry over his mother’s death. However, as Meursault’s lawyer points out, if Meursault did cry, Mr. Perez wouldn’t have noticed. His grief has made him a useless witness, lost in his own emotions. In contrast, Meursault, devoid of personal grief, observes everyone around him. Throughout Chapter 1, he provides a detailed account of everyone at the funeral procession, their moods, and demeanor. He would have been able to testify to the truth, although it would not have helped his case. While Mr. Perez’s deep grief resonates with society as understandable or even noble, it questions his ability to see what’s around him. Attachments to life, the novel suggests, hinder your ability to see, observe, and recognize the truth.
