Students will be working on the following assignment over the next few days.
Persuasive Essay-50pts
Topic-
Writing Task-The Stranger/The Outsider
Critics disagree over the actual translation of the title of Camus’ novel. The French title L’etranger can be translated as either The Stranger or The Outsider. Look at the definitions provided. You are to choose the term that is the best choice for the title of the work. You must support your argument with evidence from the text.
stranger-
a person with whom one has had no personal acquaintance: He is a perfect stranger to me.
a newcomer in a place or locality: a stranger in town.
an outsider: They want no strangers in on the club meetings
a person who is unacquainted with or unaccustomed to something (usually fol. by to): He is no stranger to poverty.
a person who is not a member of the family, group, community, or the like, as a visitor or guest: Our town shows hospitality to strangers.
outsider-
a person not belonging to a particular group, set, party, etc.: Society often regards the artist as an outsider.
a person unconnected or unacquainted with the matter in question: Not being a parent, I was regarded as an outsider.
a racehorse, sports team, or other competitor not considered likely to win or succeed.
a person or thing not within an enclosure, boundary, etc.
Brainstorm
Example-Stranger
Support
Example-Outsider
Support
2. Choose a title
· Select the term that is easiest to prove. Not necessarily the one you agree with. (Which title has the best examples?)
3. Organize
· Number the examples you will use so you know what order they will appear in.
· Pick one from the opposite column to dispute
4. Write it
-Intro-state the thesis. Which term best describes Meursault. General to Specific
-Body-
o Present-state the reason
o Support-prove it-use the book if it is a literary essay
o Explain-why does this help your argument?
-Conclusion-
o State why your arguments make sense.
Intro-
General-
A little more specific-
Very specific-
Body-
Present-
Support-
Explain-
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
The Stranger
Students have completed the following for The Stranger:
The Stranger-20pts
Part II-Chapter 4
1. Does Meursault feel like he has anything to say to defend himself?
2. In your opinion, does Meursault believe that his crime was premeditated?
3. On p. 100, Meursault reveals the key to his character/personality. What is this?
4. What penalty does the prosecutor ask of the jury?
5. Does Meursault have faith that his attorney will convince the jury of his innocence?
6. Imagism is used on p. 104. “left me with the impression…. Was making me dizzy.” In your opinion, what is Meursault feelingat this point?
7. Why can’t Meursault return Marie’s smile in the courtroom?
8. What is Meursault’s sentence? In your opinion, is his reaction normal?
The Stranger-20pts
Part II-Chapter 5
1. According to Meursault, why is witnessing an execution so important?
2. What is “the trouble with the guillotine”?
3. What is ironic about this when compared to how Meursault originally got into this predicament?
4. When Meursault’s situation finally “sinks in”, what are the two things he always thinks about?
5. What is Meursault’s pessimistic view on life and living?
6. Is Meursault a religious person? How do you know?
7. Meursault shows no respect for religion or the priest. Give one example of this.
8. What does the priest mean when he says, “your heart is blind.”?
9. In the last few paragraphs, how does Meursault finally relate to Maman?
10. Why does Meursault wish that a large crowd of spectators greet him with cries of hate at his execution?
The Stranger-20pts
Part II-Chapter 4
1. Does Meursault feel like he has anything to say to defend himself?
2. In your opinion, does Meursault believe that his crime was premeditated?
3. On p. 100, Meursault reveals the key to his character/personality. What is this?
4. What penalty does the prosecutor ask of the jury?
5. Does Meursault have faith that his attorney will convince the jury of his innocence?
6. Imagism is used on p. 104. “left me with the impression…. Was making me dizzy.” In your opinion, what is Meursault feelingat this point?
7. Why can’t Meursault return Marie’s smile in the courtroom?
8. What is Meursault’s sentence? In your opinion, is his reaction normal?
The Stranger-20pts
Part II-Chapter 5
1. According to Meursault, why is witnessing an execution so important?
2. What is “the trouble with the guillotine”?
3. What is ironic about this when compared to how Meursault originally got into this predicament?
4. When Meursault’s situation finally “sinks in”, what are the two things he always thinks about?
5. What is Meursault’s pessimistic view on life and living?
6. Is Meursault a religious person? How do you know?
7. Meursault shows no respect for religion or the priest. Give one example of this.
8. What does the priest mean when he says, “your heart is blind.”?
9. In the last few paragraphs, how does Meursault finally relate to Maman?
10. Why does Meursault wish that a large crowd of spectators greet him with cries of hate at his execution?
Thursday, December 11, 2008
The Stranger Part II chapter 3
The students worked on the following assignment today in class:
The Stranger-20pts
Part II-Chapter 3
1. What is Meursault’s first impression of the jury?
2. What clues is the reader given to show that the Algerian court system is different than the U.S. Judicial System?
3. Who are the eight witnesses that will testify at Meursault’s trial?
4. A previous incident occurred between the caretaker and Meursault, which is briefly discussed during the trial. This leads to Camus’ title of the novel. What is the incident?
5. When Celeste, the fourth witness, is called to testify, how does he show support for Meursault?
6. How does the prosecutor attempt to prove that Meursault has no conscience?
7. What is the prosecutor implying when he questions Raymond? (refers to “chance” numerous times.)
8. Explain what Meursault means when he says, “it was back to my cell…sleep of the innocent. (p.97)
The Stranger-20pts
Part II-Chapter 3
1. What is Meursault’s first impression of the jury?
2. What clues is the reader given to show that the Algerian court system is different than the U.S. Judicial System?
3. Who are the eight witnesses that will testify at Meursault’s trial?
4. A previous incident occurred between the caretaker and Meursault, which is briefly discussed during the trial. This leads to Camus’ title of the novel. What is the incident?
5. When Celeste, the fourth witness, is called to testify, how does he show support for Meursault?
6. How does the prosecutor attempt to prove that Meursault has no conscience?
7. What is the prosecutor implying when he questions Raymond? (refers to “chance” numerous times.)
8. Explain what Meursault means when he says, “it was back to my cell…sleep of the innocent. (p.97)
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Journal #9-Questioning Meursault
Comment on the importance of the following as they relate to a murder case:
whether or not a person believes in God
how many shots were fired
whether or not the suspect was upset at the passing of their mother
Also, what question(s) would you like to ask Meursault while he is in prison? Explain.
whether or not a person believes in God
how many shots were fired
whether or not the suspect was upset at the passing of their mother
Also, what question(s) would you like to ask Meursault while he is in prison? Explain.
The Stranger
The students completed the following assignment in class today:
The Stranger-20pts
Part II-Chapter 2
1. Briefly describe Meursault’s prison cell. Is this what he had expected?
2. Who is Meursault’s first visitor?
3. Describe Marie’s mood during the visit.
4. In a sense, what item was more difficult for Meursault to lose than his freedom?
5. On p. 79, Meursault states that having “a memory” is “an advantage.” Briefly explain.
6. The last sentences on p. 81 refer to Meursault’s mother’s funeral and to what nights in prison are like. In your opinion, is there a connection between the two?
The Stranger-20pts
Part II-Chapter 2
1. Briefly describe Meursault’s prison cell. Is this what he had expected?
2. Who is Meursault’s first visitor?
3. Describe Marie’s mood during the visit.
4. In a sense, what item was more difficult for Meursault to lose than his freedom?
5. On p. 79, Meursault states that having “a memory” is “an advantage.” Briefly explain.
6. The last sentences on p. 81 refer to Meursault’s mother’s funeral and to what nights in prison are like. In your opinion, is there a connection between the two?
Monday, December 8, 2008
The Stranger
Today the students completed the following assignment:
The Stranger-Part II
Chapter 1
1. What has happened to Meursault?
2. Is he taking his circumstances seriously? Give an example.
3. What question does the attorney feel compelled to ask?
4. What explanation does Meursault give regarding his “nature”?
5. How many times did Meursault fire his revolver?
6. The magistrate becomes frustrated with Meursault. What does he retrieve from his filing cabinet?
7. What’s the BIG question the magistrate finally asks Meursault?
8. On p. 70, Meursault says, “I thought about it for a minute and said that more than sorry I felt kind of annoyed.” Does
Meursault have a conscience? Why or why not?
9. In your opinion, does Meursault feel complemented when referred to as Monsieur Antichrist?
The students have also completed the following assignment from last week:
Persuasive Essay-50pts
Topic-
Writing Task-Moral/Immoral/Amoral
Look at the definitions provided. You are to choose the term that best describes Meursault throughout the first part of the novel. You must support your argument with evidence from the text.
Moral-of, pertaining to, or concerned with the principles or rules of right conduct or the distinction between right and wrong; ethical: moral attitudes.
Immoral-violating moral principles; not conforming to the patterns of conduct usually accepted or established as consistent with principles of personal and social ethics.
Amoral-not involving questions of right or wrong; without moral quality; neither moral nor immoral.
The Stranger-Part II
Chapter 1
1. What has happened to Meursault?
2. Is he taking his circumstances seriously? Give an example.
3. What question does the attorney feel compelled to ask?
4. What explanation does Meursault give regarding his “nature”?
5. How many times did Meursault fire his revolver?
6. The magistrate becomes frustrated with Meursault. What does he retrieve from his filing cabinet?
7. What’s the BIG question the magistrate finally asks Meursault?
8. On p. 70, Meursault says, “I thought about it for a minute and said that more than sorry I felt kind of annoyed.” Does
Meursault have a conscience? Why or why not?
9. In your opinion, does Meursault feel complemented when referred to as Monsieur Antichrist?
The students have also completed the following assignment from last week:
Persuasive Essay-50pts
Topic-
Writing Task-Moral/Immoral/Amoral
Look at the definitions provided. You are to choose the term that best describes Meursault throughout the first part of the novel. You must support your argument with evidence from the text.
Moral-of, pertaining to, or concerned with the principles or rules of right conduct or the distinction between right and wrong; ethical: moral attitudes.
Immoral-violating moral principles; not conforming to the patterns of conduct usually accepted or established as consistent with principles of personal and social ethics.
Amoral-not involving questions of right or wrong; without moral quality; neither moral nor immoral.
Monday, December 1, 2008
The Stranger chapter 6
The students began working on the following assignment today:
The Stranger
Chapter 6-30pts
1. When leaving for the beach, whom do Ray, Meursault and Marie see across the street?
2. Who is Masson? How often is he here?
3. When they first arrive at their destination, what do Marie, Meursault and Masson embark upon?
4. Who do the three men see on the beach?
5. On page 53, what is symbolic about Meursault’s statement, “The blazing sand looked red to me now.”?
6. What happens to Raymond?
7. On the second trip to the beach, where do the three men find the two Arabs?
8. Do the Arabs seem frightened by the approach? Why or why not?
9. What does Raymond consider doing to the Arabs?
10. Why don’t the Arabs react to this discussion unfolding directly in front of them?
11. On page 57, Meursault returns to the beach by himself. Camus uses symbolism when he states “There was the same
dazzling red glare,” and “With every blade of light….” In your opinion, what is being inferred?
12. When Meursault encounters the lone Arab, he is once again overcome by the sun’s heat. What event does the heat
force him to recall?
13. What occurs to “shatter the harmony” of Meursault’s day?
14. Why does Meursault feel threatened and consequently pull out a gun?
15. On page 59 (last sentence), what is meant by “it was like knocking four quick times on the door of unhappiness.” Explain
briefly.
The Stranger
Chapter 6-30pts
1. When leaving for the beach, whom do Ray, Meursault and Marie see across the street?
2. Who is Masson? How often is he here?
3. When they first arrive at their destination, what do Marie, Meursault and Masson embark upon?
4. Who do the three men see on the beach?
5. On page 53, what is symbolic about Meursault’s statement, “The blazing sand looked red to me now.”?
6. What happens to Raymond?
7. On the second trip to the beach, where do the three men find the two Arabs?
8. Do the Arabs seem frightened by the approach? Why or why not?
9. What does Raymond consider doing to the Arabs?
10. Why don’t the Arabs react to this discussion unfolding directly in front of them?
11. On page 57, Meursault returns to the beach by himself. Camus uses symbolism when he states “There was the same
dazzling red glare,” and “With every blade of light….” In your opinion, what is being inferred?
12. When Meursault encounters the lone Arab, he is once again overcome by the sun’s heat. What event does the heat
force him to recall?
13. What occurs to “shatter the harmony” of Meursault’s day?
14. Why does Meursault feel threatened and consequently pull out a gun?
15. On page 59 (last sentence), what is meant by “it was like knocking four quick times on the door of unhappiness.” Explain
briefly.
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