In "The Stranger," Meursault lives a life free from society's constraints. Throughout the novel, Meursault is either unaware or indifferent to the customs and expectations of society. He does not care to "advance" his life in the same way that others expect, such as through marriage and job promotion. Instead, he concludes that "one life is as good as another." It is this quotation that defines his philosophy of life as well as the belief that ultimately sets him "free." He defines the value of his life, so he does not wish to gain the respect or admiration of others. In this way, he is able to do what he truly wants to and not what other people expect him to. This explains his perceived indifference to accepted social customs. For example, he has a coffee and a cigarette...