Stranger
Discussion Questions for
The Stranger (1946); translated by Matthew Ward, 1988.
Part One
Chapter 1.
1. How does Camus set up Meursault's personality -- how does Meursault respond to others' conversation, to ordinary social situations, and to the death of his mother?
2. On page 10, Meursault says that at the viewing of his mother, he felt as if the elderly people there were judging him. Offer a conjecture about why he might have had that feeling. (It is worth paying attention to such references to "judgment" because they occur several times throughout the work.)
3. From 14-18, how does Meursault describe the funeral procession -- why was it a difficult experience for him? How does he say he felt after the burial was concluded? Do his reactions strike you as odd? Explain.
Chapter 2.
1. Meursault meets his old flame Marie Cardona. What happens between them, and why might it be considered inappropriate? Does Meursault seem to consider his behavior with Marie wrong? Explain.
2. How does this chapter deal with Meursault's experience of time's passage after the death of his mother? How does the chapter also convey a sense of emptiness?
3. What reflections does Meursault offer at the end of the chapter?
Chapter 3.
1. What is the point of Camus' including a chapter of this sort -- one in which we are introduced to several of Meursault's friends and acquaintances?
2. From 26-28 top, Meursault describes his meeting with Salamano and his old dog. What is Salamano's relationship with his dog? How does that relationship contrast with the way Meursault lives his life?
3. From 28-33, Meursault describes his friendship with Raymond Sintes. What explanation does Sintes give for the fight he has had with an Arab man -- what isn't quite honest about the order in which he tells his story? How does Meursault react to the story and to Sintes' offer of friendship?
Chapter 4.
1. How do you connect the main episodes in this chapter -- Sintes' trouble with his girlfriend and Salamano's
The Stranger (1946); translated by Matthew Ward, 1988.
Part One
Chapter 1.
1. How does Camus set up Meursault's personality -- how does Meursault respond to others' conversation, to ordinary social situations, and to the death of his mother?
2. On page 10, Meursault says that at the viewing of his mother, he felt as if the elderly people there were judging him. Offer a conjecture about why he might have had that feeling. (It is worth paying attention to such references to "judgment" because they occur several times throughout the work.)
3. From 14-18, how does Meursault describe the funeral procession -- why was it a difficult experience for him? How does he say he felt after the burial was concluded? Do his reactions strike you as odd? Explain.
Chapter 2.
1. Meursault meets his old flame Marie Cardona. What happens between them, and why might it be considered inappropriate? Does Meursault seem to consider his behavior with Marie wrong? Explain.
2. How does this chapter deal with Meursault's experience of time's passage after the death of his mother? How does the chapter also convey a sense of emptiness?
3. What reflections does Meursault offer at the end of the chapter?
Chapter 3.
1. What is the point of Camus' including a chapter of this sort -- one in which we are introduced to several of Meursault's friends and acquaintances?
2. From 26-28 top, Meursault describes his meeting with Salamano and his old dog. What is Salamano's relationship with his dog? How does that relationship contrast with the way Meursault lives his life?
3. From 28-33, Meursault describes his friendship with Raymond Sintes. What explanation does Sintes give for the fight he has had with an Arab man -- what isn't quite honest about the order in which he tells his story? How does Meursault react to the story and to Sintes' offer of friendship?
Chapter 4.
1. How do you connect the main episodes in this chapter -- Sintes' trouble with his girlfriend and Salamano's