Discussion Questions

1. How do we know the world of The Stranger is irrational? How do different characters react to this irrationality?

2. How do Meursault’s and Marie’s views of their relationship differ?

3. Compare Meursault to Raymond Sintes. How are the two neighbors different? How are they similar?

4. Trace the development of Meursault’s philosophy. How does he come to open himself to “the gentle indifference of the world”? What spurs his revelation? How do earlier events in the novel prepare us to expect it?

5. We see characters in the book solely through Meursault’s eyes, but Meursault typically tells us very little. Using the information that Meursault provides, analyze a character such as Marie and Raymond. What level of insight does Meursault provide into these characters’ personalities?

6. Compare and contrast the relationship between Salamano and his dog with the relationship between Meursault and his mother. What are the similarities? Which is more loving?

7. Discuss the style of The Stranger. How does Meursault’s language correspond to the subjects he describes? Does it evolve or change as the novel goes on? Does the stripped-down prose of the novel’s first half limit its expressive power?

8. Is Meursault really a threat to his society? Does he deserve the death penalty? Is he more or less dangerous than a criminal who commits a crime with clear motive?

9. In his jail cell, Meursault finds an old newspaper article about a Czechoslovakian man who is murdered by his mother and sister. How does this article relate to Meursault’s own trial for murder? How does this article expand the themes in The Stranger? How does it support Camus’s philosophy of the absurd?

10. Analyze the passages describing Meursault’s walk down the beach before he kills the Arab. How does Camus build tension in the passage? How is it different from the passages preceding it? Meursault says at his trial that he killed the Arab because of the sun. Is this explanation at all valid?

1. How do we know the world of The Stranger is irrational? How do different characters react to this irrationality?

I don't know if it seemed irrational to me, but apathetic. Meursault only functioned in the moment, doing what was the easiest with out regard for consequences.

2. How do Meursault’s and Marie’s views of their relationship differ?

Marie wants to have a 'normal' relationship, that progresses as the two learn about each other and grow closer. She wants to build a future together through marriage. Meursault finds Marie attractive and convenient. She is around for sex and companionship, and he will marry her if she wants, because it is easy.

3. Compare Meursault to Raymond Sintes. How are the two neighbors different? How are they similar?

I liked something I read earlier... Merusault is amoral and Raymond is immoral.

4. Trace the development of Meursault’s philosophy. How does he come to open himself to “the gentle indifference of the world”? What spurs his revelation? How do earlier events in the novel prepare us to expect it?

5. We see characters in the book solely through Meursault’s eyes, but Meursault typically tells us very little. Using the information that Meursault provides, analyze a character such as Marie and Raymond. What level of insight does Meursault provide into these characters’ personalities?

6. Compare and contrast the relationship between Salamano and his dog with the relationship between Meursault and his mother. What are the similarities? Which is more loving?

7. Discuss the style of The Stranger. How does Meursault’s language correspond to the subjects he describes? Does it evolve or change as the novel goes on? Does the stripped-down prose of the novel’s first half limit its expressive power?

8. Is Meursault really a threat to his society? Does he deserve the death penalty? Is he more or less dangerous than a criminal who commits a crime with clear motive?

He seems more dangerous to me. He committed a crime for no reason, has no remorse, and thinks really little of the act itself. This is much more dangerous than someone who kills when provoked.

9. In his jail cell, Meursault finds an old newspaper article about a Czechoslovakian man who is murdered by his mother and sister. How does this article relate to Meursault’s own trial for murder? How does this article expand the themes in The Stranger? How does it support Camus’s philosophy of the absurd?

10. Analyze the passages describing Meursault’s walk down the beach before he kills the Arab. How does Camus build tension in the passage? How is it different from the passages preceding it? Meursault says at his trial that he killed the Arab because of the sun. Is this explanation at all valid?[b]

I really liked your quote that miersault was amoral whereas Raymond was immoral. The fact that Miersault was amoral, kept him from recognizing Raymonds imorality!!!