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)