The Stranger - Thesis

In The Stranger, Albert Camus contrasts black and white to show the conflict between individual and societal perceptions, and through Meresault's actions develop the idea that an individual has the ability to alter society through actions that contradict what is accepted.

The Stranger - Journal 8

Journal #8: Personal response to The Stranger + what literary value do you ascribe to the novel (what makes a book a great work of literature and does this book achieve that)

Before reading The Stranger  the second time I cannot honestly say that I had any sort of positive feeling for the book, I did not find the plot or characters interesting on a personal level and I felt the book as a whole seemed flat. In the second reading, however, I felt a lot more connected to Meresault and understanding of his thoughts than I had previously. I still feel like the plot and characters are mostly flat, but I enjoyed attempting to unravel Meresault as a person and a thinker in the analysis of the novel. Personally, I would not choose to read a book like The Stranger on my own but I feel that being "forced" to read it was overall a good experience, it exposed me to a different viewpoint and style of thinking, which can never be bad for me as an individual.

To me, "literature" is any work that attempts to convey a message as opposed to a story. Literature is designed to make us think instead of gratifying us as a reader. "Great" literature is just this same idea with much grander and well designed execution where the writer sends a variety of messages through (almost) everything they do within the work. Using this definition, The Stranger would definitely qualify as a great work of literature.  Specifically to students at a high school level, The Stranger is valuable because it brings along with it philosophical ideals which most students at our age have limited exposure to.

The Stranger - Journal 7

Journal 7- Post your topic and 15 quotes that connect to your topic (these quotes can connect thematically or by technique). Once collected and analyzed, write a thesis statement.

Topic: Contrast between black and White

1. "I felt a little lost between the blue and white of the sky and the monotony of the colors around me - the sticky black of the tar, the dull black of all the clothes, and the shiny black of the hearse" p. 17
2. "his forearms were all white under the black hairs." p.47
3. "he had on a dark suit, a wing collar, and an odd-looking tie with broad black and white stripes." p. 64
4. "She had put on a white linen dress and let her hair down. I told her she was beautiful and she laughed with delight." p. 47
5. " the blood-red earth spilling over Maman's casket, the white flesh of the roots mixed in with it" p. 18
6. 'She seemed very surprised to see I was wearing a black tie and she asked me if I was in mourning."p.20
7. "a long gray moustache, and lots of thick, almost white hair." p. 64
8. "The glare on the white walls was making me drowsy" p. 9
9. "I wanted her so bad when I saw her in that pretty red-and-white striped dress" p.34
10. "One of them, however, much younger than the others, wearing gray flannels and a blue tie" p. 85
11. "a black tie with a knot [...] fine, white hair." p. 15
12. "Céleste was there, as always, with his big belly, his apron, and his white moustache." p.26
13. Near the casket was an Arab nurse in a white smock" p. 6
14. "small houses behind green or white fences" p. 49
15. "I still had to go up to Emmanuel's place to borrow a black tie and an arm band. He lost his uncle a few months back" p. 4

Camus contrasts black and white to illustrate the (external?) conflict that arises when individual desires do not match up with societal expectations and how the two cannot exists independently of one another.

The Stranger - Journal 6

Journal #6 Post 5 significant literary questions on The Stranger. The more authentic these are (i.e. questions you really have been pondering) the more insightful the answers will have to be. These questions should not be directed toward a right or wrong answer; rather, it should lead to personal interpretation of the text. You can revise a few of the questions you wrote for chapter six to include concepts from the entire book.

Why does Camus' use of language evolve from being simplistic and plain to complex and flowing by the end of the novel?

Why is the beach described in more detailed exotic language than Camus generally uses in description?

Why is Meresault so focused on color when he describes people and places?

Why is Meresault so uncharacteristically decisive in regards to Raymond's conflict with the Arab and the use of the gun?

Is the emphasis put on Meresault's "character" in the trial indicative of what society thinks of him?


Anthony Quach- 3. I do not think that she is representative of a more extreme Meresault in that she is described as "robotic" and meticulous, where as Meresault is more physically oriented (a robot does not feel tired or hot) and is definitely unsure of himself and his actions on multiple occasions. I think her purpose is that she provides one catalyst for Meresault's eventual thought processes when he is in prison. As pointed out by Sean, I think a reason Meresault has such an interest in her is that she has created a purpose for herself and even though that purpose cannot be seen it is evident that one can be created for the individual.

Jarrad Schulte 2. Camus' use of the word "Arab", while having racial implications, is primarily to develop Meresault as an outsider in society by drawing attention to the setting. Not only is he an individual with a thought process different than most people, he also is from an entirely different background than the majority of the people that inhabit the setting in which he lives. (Meresault is white and of french descent while most are Arabs)

Matt Merckling 5. The lack of outward emotion serves to characterize Meresault as someone who emotional events (or at least the ones he experiences) hold no greater meaning and should not be dwelt on. He has gotten to the point where he acknowledges the events but understands they are ultimately of no importance. His thoughts on his mother's death and on marriage reflect this, they don't ultimately mean anything and so warrant little attention.

Montana Agnew 3. Camus' lack of extensive background information regarding Meresault is intended to emphasize his inherent distance from the reader and through them, society. By not having a connection with Meresault as a character we can more easily analyze him through his unique world view and understand the basis of his personal philosophies.

Isabel Harger 2. I would argue that Meresault as a character is not precise and straightforward. Although what he says may be blunt there is a definite repetition of him being unsure of what drives him as an individual, such as when he is killing the Arab. Furthermore he is also unsure of himself when he responds to his boss, he expresses doubts over whether what he said was appropriate. Because of this I think the ambiguous language just helps in characterizing Meresault as uncertain (at least until the end of the book)

The Stranger - Journal 5

Journal 5 - The Stranger is split into two parts divided by Meresault's murder of the Arab. Why did Camus choose to write the book in two parts? What is parallel or contrasting between the two parts? Use quotes to support your argument.

I believe that Camus separated the book into two parts in order for a multitude of reasons. First off, it provides a clear distinction between Meresault's life before and after the murder of the Arab. I think another reason might be to draw attention and to emphasize the closing action of part one. By ending the part right after Meresault shoots the Arab it gives a sense of finality, it emphasizes Meresault's choice to shoot and kill and definitely sets the end of part one as the true climax of the book. The way Camus wrote it the book could almost have ended at that exact moment, without the trial or Meresault's stay in prison. I think if Camus had done this it would have created an interesting effect: the reader would have less insight to Meresault's personal thoughts and philosophies that are expressed in the second part and thus would read deeper and become more intimate with Meresault as they try to understand how he views the world.

In both parts Meresault style of interacting with those around stays consistent, he says little and what he does say is blunt and to the point. This is in contrast with his more complex thoughts and descriptions.

• "The presiding judge asked me if I had anything to say. I thought about it. I said 'no'"(107)
• "I said, 'It's dirty. Lots of pigeons and dark courtyards. Everybody's pale.

In contrast is the way the characters of Maman and Meresault deal with death. The book both opens and closes with death (or near enough). And Meresault's denial of religion before his death is the opposite of Maman, who insists on a religious burial. There is also a sense of differing levels of importance between the two. Meresault's death feels very significant while Maman's seems to be dreary and insignificant.

• "It seems your mother often expressed to her friends her desire for a religious burial" (6)
• "I had only a little time left and I didn't want to waste it on god" (120)

The Stranger - Journal 4

Journal 4: Write six questions regarding chapter 6 of The Stranger. These questions should show a deeper understanding and appreciation of the text.

-Camus makes use of quite a lot of imagery in his description of the beach (p. 49), much more than he has done anywhere in the book. His choice of words is also much more specific and exotic than his other descriptions throughout the book. Why does he do this? What purpose does it serve?

-Camus also makes another description of the beach using various forms of imagery on page 52. This description has a noticeably harsher mood to it. Is there significance in this description of the beach? Do the contrasting images of the beach between then two passages help to reveal anything about Meresault or this thoughts?

-When Raymond and Meresault go back to the beach after their fight with the Arabs, Meresault acts with uncharacteristic decisiveness in regards to how and when the gun should be used. What is his motivation for doing so? Generally, Meresault does not initiate action or challenge what is going on. Furthermore his motivations are generally described as purely physical, when there is little description in this passage of his physical wants.

-In the very next passage Meresault remarks that "you could either shoot or not shoot" (p.56). To me this seems like an odd choice of words. Does this sentence, especially in relation to the previous passage mark a change in Meresault? He seems more decisive and it feels like he is coming to the realization that his actions have impact.

-The very last passage of the chapter really interests me. It has sharp focus on specific elements of the scene, describing them in great detail to the extent that the impact of the whole is partially lost, giving the passage a sort of dreamlike feeling. Is this reflective of Meresault's frame of mind? Does it tell us anything about why he shot the Arab?

-Finally, this is not exactly part of chapter six but I believe it is important nonetheless. Why does Camus choose to split his book into two parts? Are the two parts created to compare or contrast in some way? Were they made to be read together or are they meant to function as individual pieces? Why no just continue at chapter seven?

The Stranger - Journal 3

Read chapters 4 and 5

Journal #3: Personal Philosophy

You will demonstrate your understanding of the importance of one's world view by scrutinizing your thoughts on how the world works and identifying guiding principles for your own philosophy.

establishes and introduces your philosophy

Generally, I am not a huge fan of philosophy. While I believe that deeper thought and mediation can lead to great ideas and observations that can help shape our lives, I feel there is often too much emphasis put on the hypothetical and general, with too little thought put into the practical and personal. But for the sake of the assignment I have attempted to find some of the principals I live my life by and have created a collective world view, which I call Perspectivism. These guiding principals have developed from my own experiences and observations of both myself and others.

-Consciousness is the only way we can look at and interpret the world in a meaningful way. More importantly a continuous stream of consciousness is what defines you as an individual. That is not to say consciousness is purely created by the physical, that is another argument entirely.

-Higher Concepts such as equality and morality are innate to humans to an extent. But are put in place through their environment and developed through personal life experiences. No two people, regardless of how similar completely share the way in which they view the world, morality will always be valued in regards to perspective.

-No individual has an innate purpose in life from birth that can be observed to any extent. Each person must find and create their own purpose. By finding a purpose in life the individual finds both happiness and personal fulfillment.

-Personal success is achieved through how much an individual is able to become happy and spread happiness to others. Humans are social creatures and even though there is a great focus on each person, decisions need to be made with regards to a balance between self and others.

-Personal strength comes from the ability to face one's fears and doubts and overcomes them. The most courageous people are those who are able to define what they fear most and accept their fear and failures instead of trying to hide them.

-Growth comes from experience, while the teachings of others are of vital importance and help define and develop us, personal connections must be made. Our world is defined but what happens to us and to us alone, our experiences bring about both knowledge and wisdom.

- Humans are made to interact with one another. Along with finding purpose, our interactions with others are among the most fulfilling experiences we experience. Sharing our individual thoughts and emotions with others through any medium is emotionally gratifying to both the creator and the observer (thus art in all of its forms)

-Individuals are ultimately unique and cannot be defined as a universal whole. It is necessary to look upon and value each person as an individual, looking at their motivations and unique viewpoint.

The Stranger - Journal 2

The title, L'Etranger, is often translated as The Stranger, The Foreigner, and The Outsider. E'tranger can also mean "foreign", "overseas", "unknown", "extraneous", "outsider", "stranger", "alien", "unconnected", and "irrelevant".

Journal #2: Part one: According to your work today in class, which translator would you argue has the most literary value and why? What elements of the text are you valuing by the decision you made?

Part two: According to the above meanings for the work "e'tranger", what title would you assign the English translation of the text and why. Go as far as to cite specific examples from the book that support your decision.

 

 Because I have read a limited amount of Stuart Gilbert's translation of The Stranger, I find it hard to assess the literary value of his translation in comparison to Matthew Ward's. But from I read in class I would say that I personally find more value in Matthew Ward's translation. In the selected passages we read, Gilbert's translation contained much more description in regards to the environment that Meresault was in, this seems to distract from the development of Meresault and his unique way of thinking. Ward's simpler use of words and sentences aids in showing the progression and style of thinking that defines Meresault. Gilbert also uses the passive voice to a larger extent (at least, in the first passage), which makes Meresault seem unsure in his actions and thoughts. To me this seems somewhat unfaithful to the character of Meresault,  who is sure of his thoughts and view on the world even as he faces execution.

Of the three titles, The Stranger, The Outsider and The Foreigner, I prefer The Stranger as chosen by both of the translators we looked at. The word foreigner in place of the word stranger gives a emphasis on the setting of the book and Meresault's place within it. While this can have a great deal of value, Meresault is not a native of the African-Arabian country in which he lives and race (Arabs especially) places a major role in the story, I feel that The Stranger places a higher emphasis on Meresault's ideas and philosophies. This is further cemented by the fact that there is very little mention of the global setting other than the names of cities, a reader who does not know where the cities in the book are located could easily mistake it as being in France or really many other countries. Between the word "stranger" and the word "outsider" I find little difference, both could do an equally fine job of framing the book and Meresault as an individual. However, personal connotations make me see an "outsider" as one who does not conform to societies rules and cannot comprehend the general structure of a place that they suddenly find themselves in. Meresault certainly does not conform to traditional thoughts or ideas, but he is understanding of the way other people and society runs. This leads me to choose the word "stranger" as opposed to either "foreigner" or "outsider".