Translators note

An idea prevalent in the translators note is the words unsaid. Throughout the text Meursault's attitutude is very non chalant and unsympathetic to other people's misfortune and emotion in general.  "she asked me if I loved her. I told her it didn’t mean anything but that I didn’t think so. She looked sad" in this passage Meursault comments on her looks but gives no real though to her emotion of what love even means. It is evident that he enjoys her company but it is unclear whether or not he has any real emotion toward her. When he does not say I love you back it is a prime example of the idea illustrated in the translators note which connotes his lack of communication. Something's are better left unsaid but in this instance his lack of communication does not seem to be for the good of others, rather it would appear that he simply does not understand emotion or what it is like to have emotions. Even with his mother, whom he should have the greatest affection and affinity towards, he seems utterly detached and emotionless.