Language A1, IB 11

Mrs. Hilton

Topic:The Stranger, by Albert Camus

Assignment:Discussion questions

Part One

Chapter One

  1. In regards to writing style, compare the beginning of this novel to another W.L. text.
  2. Compare the opening passage to Samya’s loss of Mia.
  3. Compare the opening passage to Ramatoulaye’s loss of her husband.
  4. Why didn’t the narrator visit his mother much?
  5. Comment on the auditory imagery threaded throughout this chapter. Compare it to another W.L. text.
  6. Compare how each W.L. author portrays the concept of death.

Chapter 2:

  1. Comment on the scene between the narrator and the girl he ‘had a thing with’. What is unique about the writing style?
  2. What is the significance of the following quote: “Besides, you always feel a little guilty.”(20)?
  3. What is the significance of the following quote: “…nothing had changed.”(24)?

Chapter 3:

  1. After reading this chapter, analyze the interaction between Raymond and Meursault. Be sure to provide details from the chapter for support.

Chapter 4:

  1. Identify and comment on the auditory imagery within this chapter.
  2. What is significant about the interaction between Meursault and Marie?
  3. After reading the chapter, analyze the significance of Salamano? What is he like? How would you characterize Meursault’s reaction to Salamano’s impromptu visit?

Chapter 5:

  1. While conversing with his boss, Meursault comments, “I said that people never change their lives, that in any case one life was as good as another and that I wasn’t dissatisfied with mine here at all” (41)

Comment on the significance:

“But when I had to give up my studies I learned very quickly that none of it really mattered”(41)

Make an inference:

  1. Contemplate why Meursault believes that he ‘probably doesn’t’ love Marie. Compare this to another W.L. text?
  2. Characterize the interaction between Meursault and Salamano. Refer to specific dialogue when answering this question.

Chapter 6:

  1. After arriving at the beach with Raymond and Marie, Meursault comments that this is the ‘first time maybe, I really thought I was going to get married” (50).

Explain the significance of this quote

  1. Compare the scene on pages 58 and 59 to another W.L. text.
  2. What does Meursault do that will truly change his life? Do you believe this act was premeditated?
  3. Identify details within this chapter that reveal Meursault’s state of mind.

PART TWO:

Chapter 1:

  1. Compare the opening scene to a scene in either From Sleep Unbound or Siddhartha. Remember to focus on literary aspects here.
  2. When considering all three of the World Lit texts, how do various characters’ reactions to crisis differ? Refer to specific examples to support your point.
  3. “On my way out I was even going to shake his hand, but just in time, I remembered that I had killed a man”(64).

Again, comment on the significance here:

  1. Is there any significance to the scene that transpires on pages 68-69? What frustrates his attorney?

Chapter 2:

  1. According to Meursault, what was the hardest part of adjusting to prison life? Is there any significance to this? Explain.
  2. Analyze the function/significance of sleep in this chapter and compare it to another W.L. text. Be specific.
  3. Compare the last paragraph of this chapter to a scene in From Sleep Unbound.

Chapter 3:

  1. Describe Meursault’s thoughts when facing the jury. Compare this to another W.L. character.
  2. Who shows the most emotion throughout the trial. Provide examples.
  3. Reread the final paragraph of this chapter, do you believe that Meursault was ever truly happy? Justify your response.
  4. Comment on the portrayal of the trial. Focus on the writing style of Albert Camus.

Chapter 4:

  1. Why does Meursault decide not to speak up?
  2. What do you think of the prosecutor’s rendition of what took place?
  3. What perplexes Meursault about his lawyer’s perception of him?
  4. What is Meursault’s sentence? What is your reaction?

Chapter 5:

  1. Describe the opening of this chapter. What literary aspects are at play?
  2. Why does Meursault blame himself , and why is this ironic?
  3. As Meursault describes his thoughts and ideas regarding life, hope, etc…, contemplate how this compares or differs from Siddhartha. Be specific.
  4. We learn that Meursault grew up fatherless; does this influence your opinion of him in any way? Do you think Camus is trying to evoke reader sympathy? Is it effective?
  5. Compare the role of the parent (present or absent) in two of our W.L. texts.
  1. What is significant about the story Maman told Meursault about his father witnessing an execution?
  2. Contemplate why Meursault refuses to see the chaplain.
  3. Several things go through his mind while he awaits his execution. What interesting memory is ‘left out’?
  4. Compare the interaction between Meursault and the Chaplain on pages 116-117 to a similar interaction in Siddhartha. Be specific.
  5. When you consider Meursault’s final thoughts about life and death, which other W.L. character is he most similar to and why?
  6. Meursault finally bursts and externally describes his beliefs in life. Does this uncharacteristic outburst impact your perception of him? Explain.
  7. Would you identify Meursault as a static or dynamic character? Explain.
  8. Comment on Meursault’s final wish?
  9. How does the conclusion of this text differ or compare to another W.L. text?