The Seinfeld

Seinfeld’s “The Alternate Side” contains many characters that can relate to Camus’ character, Meursault. Kramer appeals to the side of Meursault that is concerned only about himself. When Sid, the informal neighborhood valet, leaves Jerry’s keys in the ignition and the car is stolen, Kramer’s sole purpose in talking to the thief is to get his brown gloves back. He does not care about the fact that Jerry no longer has a car, or how much it is going to cost Jerry to pay for Sid’s mistake, Kramer only cares about the things that affect him. Meursault shares this quality. More often than not, he only carries out tasks that benefit him. For example, Meursault will witness the abusive relationship that Raymond has with an ex-girlfriend, but will not testify until asked directly by the police. He does not care enough about the subject because it does not affect him directly. This blatant reluctance the help or care about other people displays the faults that keep Kramer and Meursault from making deeper connections with other people.

Elaine’s 66-year-old boyfriend also relates to Camus’ Meursault. Elaine quickly falls in and out of love with an older and mysterious man; in the midst of breaking up with him, he has a stroke. After a long and tedious break up, Elaine finds that her 66-year-old boyfriend never really cared for her; he used her for his own physical desires. This relationship nearly mirrors the relationship of Meursault and Marie. Throughout their time together, Meursault never once stops to think that what they have is serious. The physical aspect of their relationship is the only aspect that the book highlights. These two men, Meursault and the sleazy 66-year-old man that can’t find a woman his own age, share the quality of detachment that many uncommitted men have.

Sid from Seinfeld shares Meursault’s nonchalant attitude toward life. Although Sid is a lot more talkative than Meursault, he demonstrates a lack of interest in the things going on around him. When going away for a week to visit his nephew, Sid could care less who took his place moving cars on the street. Meursault shows the same disinterest in life that Sid does. Meursault often lets significant events in his life pass right over his head and barely reacts to much of what he is told. Although it can be argued that Sid does care enough to visit his sick nephew, it can also be argued that Meursault cared enough to go to his mother’s funeral. These examples are not quite on the same plane, but both of these characters attempt to assimilate to the cultural normativity that surrounds that, connecting them is a very deep and personal way.