stranger

Question 1

Who is Meursault?

Answer 1

A French-Algerian office worker, emotionally detached, passive, and indifferent to society’s values.

Meursault is the main character in the story, embodying themes of absurdism.

Question 2

What are the key traits of Meursault?

Answer 2

Emotionless, honest, sensory-driven (cares about heat, hunger, sex), avoids deep feelings.

These traits highlight his emotional detachment and indifference.

Question 3

What is Meursault’s character arc?

Answer 3

Starts as indifferent to life and death → ends by fully accepting life’s absurdity and embracing death calmly.

This arc reflects the central theme of absurdism in the narrative.

Question 4

How does Meursault relate to Absurdism?

Answer 4

Lives naturally without illusions — finally accepts that life has no meaning but still finds peace.

His acceptance of life’s absurdity is a key theme in the text.

Question 5

What is a key moment that shows Meursault’s emotional detachment?

Answer 5

Shows no sadness at his mother’s funeral.

This moment emphasizes his indifference to societal expectations.

Question 6

What significant action does Meursault take that reflects random violence?

Answer 6

Kills the Arab, blaming the sun.

This act illustrates the randomness and meaninglessness of violence in the story.

Question 7

How does Meursault accept his fate?

Answer 7

Accepts his death without fear or regret.

This acceptance is crucial to his character development.

Question 8

Who is Marie Cardona?

Answer 8

A former coworker of Meursault; joyful, affectionate, and emotional.

Marie’s character contrasts sharply with Meursault’s emotional detachment.

Question 9

What are the key traits of Marie Cardona?

Answer 9

Warm, playful, loving, wants emotional connection (marriage, love).

Her desire for connection highlights Meursault’s emotional distance.

Question 10

How does Marie’s relationship with Meursault reflect societal expectations?

Answer 10

Represents society’s expectations: love, marriage, happiness — things Meursault finds meaningless.

Marie’s hopes are unreciprocated, showcasing the disconnect between them.

Question 11

What is a key moment in Marie’s relationship with Meursault?

Answer 11

Asks Meursault if he loves her → he says it doesn’t matter.

This moment illustrates Meursault’s indifference to emotional connections.

Question 12

What does Marie do that highlights her commitment to Meursault?

Answer 12

Visits him in prison and still wants to marry him.

This commitment underscores her emotional investment in their relationship.

Question 13

Who is Raymond Sintès?

Answer 13

A violent, shady man (suggested to be a pimp) who befriends Meursault.

Raymond’s character plays a pivotal role in the events leading to the climax of the story.

Question 14

What are the key traits of Raymond Sintès?

Answer 14

Aggressive, manipulative, impulsive, seeks revenge on his girlfriend.

His traits contribute to the story’s exploration of violence and morality.

Question 15

How does Raymond use Meursault?

Answer 15

Uses Meursault’s neutrality to support his own bad actions (the letter, the fight).

This relationship highlights Meursault’s passive nature.

Question 16

What does Raymond symbolize in the story?

Answer 16

Represents the cruelty and randomness of human behavior.

His actions and motivations illustrate the chaotic nature of life.

Question 17

What is a key moment involving Raymond Sintès?

Answer 17

Beats his mistress after Meursault writes a cruel letter for him.

This incident showcases the impact of Meursault’s detachment on violent actions.

Question 18

Who is the Arab?

Answer 18

Brother of Raymond’s abused mistress; confronts Raymond and Meursault.

The Arab’s role is central to the plot’s conflict.

Question 19

What are the key traits of the Arab?

Answer 19

Mysterious, almost silent character — little is known about him personally.

His ambiguity adds to the theme of randomness in the narrative.

Question 20

What role does the Arab play in the story?

Answer 20

His confrontation with Meursault results in the shooting — the murder that drives the entire second half of the novel.

This event marks a turning point in Meursault’s life.

Question 21

What does the Arab symbolize?

Answer 21

Represents the randomness of violence and the meaninglessness of death.

His death reflects the absurdity of existence as portrayed in the story.

Question 22

What is a key moment involving the Arab?

Answer 22

Fights Raymond at the beach.

This altercation sets the stage for the subsequent violent events.

Question 23

Fill in the blank: Meursault accepts his death without _______.

Answer 23

fear or regret.

This acceptance is a significant aspect of his character development.

Question 24

What is Absurdism?

Answer 24

Life has no true meaning.

Absurdism is a philosophical concept that explores the conflict between the human desire for meaning and the indifferent universe.

Question 25

How do humans interact with the concept of Absurdism?

Answer 25

Humans search for meaning in the silent, meaningless universe. ## Footnote This search often leads to a confrontation with the absurd.

Question 26

What brings happiness according to Absurdism?

Answer 26

Happiness comes from embracing the absurdity. ## Footnote Accepting the absurd can lead to a form of liberation.

Question 27

What is considered the only sure thing in life?

Answer 27

Death. ## Footnote This realization makes all other actions seem pointless.

Question 28

Who laid the groundwork for Absurdism in the 19th century?

Answer 28

Soren Kierkegaard. ## Footnote Kierkegaard's existential thoughts influenced later thinkers like Camus.

Question 29

Who coined the term 'absurd' in the 20th century?

Answer 29

Albert Camus. ## Footnote Camus is a key figure in Absurdism and explored it in his works.

Question 30

What is the title of Camus' work that defined Absurdism?

Answer 30

The Myth of Sisyphus, published in 1942. ## Footnote This essay outlines Camus' philosophy regarding the absurd.

Question 31

What does Camus say about the relationship between human need and the universe?

Answer 31

The absurdism is born of this confrontation between the human need and the unreasonable silence of the world. ## Footnote This concept highlights the dissonance between human desires and reality.

Question 32

How does Meursault react to his mother's death in Chapter 1?

Answer 32

He feels and shows no emotion. ## Footnote This reflects his emotional numbness and the absurdist theme of detachment.

Question 33

What does Meursault do during his mother's funeral?

Answer 33

He sleeps during the vigil and does not want to see her body. ## Footnote His behavior illustrates his disconnection from societal expectations of grief.

Question 34

What does Meursault prioritize over emotional connections in Chapter 2?

Answer 34

He seeks pleasures such as sun, sea, and food. ## Footnote This indicates his preference for sensory experiences over emotional engagements.

Question 35

What is Meursault's reaction to having fun after his mother's death?

Answer 35

He feels no guilt. ## Footnote This further emphasizes his emotional detachment and absurdist outlook.

Question 36

In Chapter 3, what moral action does Meursault take regarding his neighbor?

Answer 36

He agrees to help write a threatening letter. ## Footnote This action reflects his growing moral indifference.

Question 37

What does Meursault say that shows his indifference to social norms in Chapter 4?

Answer 37

I said that sort of question had no meaning really. ## Footnote This quote highlights his rejection of societal values like love and loyalty.

Question 38

What decision does Meursault make regarding marriage in Chapter 5?

Answer 38

He accepts to marry Marie without feeling love. ## Footnote His decision illustrates the absurdity of big life choices.

Question 39

What leads Meursault to shoot an Arab man in Chapter 6?

Answer 39

A series of events under intense heat and sun. ## Footnote This act is portrayed as random and not driven by emotions.

Question 40

What feelings does Meursault experience after his arrest in Part 2, Chapter 1?

Answer 40

Boredom and discomfort. ## Footnote His emotional state reflects his detachment from the situation.

Question 41

What does Meursault find in jail that reminds him of his old life?

Answer 41

An old clipping of a newspaper. ## Footnote This signifies his connection to a past that feels distant.

Question 42

What does Meursault realize during his trial in Chapter 3?

Answer 42

People care more about his lack of grief than the murder itself. ## Footnote This observation underscores societal hypocrisy and absurdity.

Question 43

How does Meursault feel during the trial?

Answer 43

He feels like an outsider and emotionally disconnected. ## Footnote This detachment emphasizes the absurdist theme of alienation.

Question 44

What does Meursault refuse to do in prison, and how does he respond to the chaplain in Chapter 5?

Answer 44

He refuses to see the chaplain and lashes out at him. ## Footnote This confrontation signifies his acceptance of absurdism and rejection of traditional beliefs.

Question 45

What realization does Meursault come to at the end of Part 2?

Answer 45

He embraces absurdism fully and accepts life's randomness. ## Footnote This acceptance brings him a sense of peace.