In an atmosphere of political tension when the French still control Algiers, an Algerian is killed on the beach and a Frenchman who has lived in Algiers all his life is arrested for the murder. A trial takes place. One of the witnesses was at the funeral of Arthur Meursault's mother. It bothers other mourners and Meursault himself that he showed no emotion when his mother died. His eventful day at the beach takes place shortly after the funeral as he examines what his life has been and what path he should take in the future.