Arab once, Meursault needlessly shoots him four more times. Meursault notes: "And it was like giving four sharp knocks at the door of unhappiness" (Camus, 1983, p. 60).
Thus, at the end of the first part of the novel, it is already implied that a happy ending will be denied to Meursault. It is evident that Meursault represents the tragic nature of modern life. Because he does not believe in God, he does not perceive any meaning in his life. In addition, because he is indifferent to social conventions, he commits a senseless crime without really intending to. The crime is the turning point in Meursault's life which brings his world crumbling down around him. Nevertheless, during his trial, Meursault continues to refuse to lie about his true feelings. Because of this refusal, any hope for a happy outcome to his trial is taken away. The lawyers, judges, and the chaplain all want Meursault to admit that he is sorry for his crime. They want him to admit that his act of murder was a sin and to beg God's forgiveness for it. However, Meursault is incapable of doing this, and thus he refuses to collaborate in creating a happy ending to his own trial.
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