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?
No comments:
Post a Comment