Madame Meursault's Foil Mariner

As Meursault’s foil character, Thomas Perez represents the expectation of those who mourn death. Perez appears to have a intimate relationship with Madame Meursault, although he is unrelated to her. Weakened by old age, he tries his best to walk “as fast as he could”, even with “a slight limp” (16). Even with his ailing infirmity, Perez is still willing to endeavor the exhausting journey of attending Madame Meursault’s funeral procession, even exerting himself to the point where he faints. Although not explicit in the story, Perez’s determination and compassion towards her, and is reflected by this act. On the other hand, Meursault does attend his mother’s burial, however does not seem as willing to do so. He seems emotionally detached