The Stranger Flashcards
(14 cards)
What is Camus’ theory of absurdity?
Life has no inherent meaning, and humans constantly seek meaning—this conflict is the absurd. Camus believed we must accept the absurd and live with it without resorting to false hope or religion.
What is the point of view of The Stranger?
First-person narration by Meursault, which limits the story to his detached, emotionless perspective and reinforces existential/absurdist themes.
How does Meursault react to Maman’s death?
He shows little emotion, drinks coffee, smokes, and returns to work the next day—highlighting his emotional indifference and societal alienation.
Why did Maman want a religious funeral?
Despite Meursault’s atheism, Maman found comfort in religion near the end, showing that people seek meaning even in an absurd world.
What does the old woman crying at Maman’s funeral represent?
She symbolizes emotional engagement with loss, acting as a foil to Meursault’s detachment and reflecting society’s expectations of grief.
What does the nurse’s quote ‘if you go too slowly
you risk getting sunstroke. But if you go too fast
What is the purpose of Chapter 2?
It explores Meursault’s everyday life after Maman’s death, revealing his emotional numbness and the monotony of existence.
What is the significance of Salamano and his dog?
Their relationship reflects a cycle of attachment and abuse, showing how people cling to routines even when they’re painful—mirroring absurd human behavior.
Is Chapter 6 a turning point? Why or why not?
Yes—it’s when Meursault kills the Arab. This action shifts the novel from passive observation to consequences and exposes the absurdity of justice and morality.
How is the Magistrate an anti-existentialist figure?
He clings to religious explanations and moral absolutes, contrasting with Meursault’s refusal to lie or conform to societal expectations.
How is life in prison compared to life as a free man?
Prison life is monotonous and meaningless—just like life outside. It reinforces the absurd idea that freedom is an illusion.
Why is the trial the epitome of absurdity?
The trial focuses more on Meursault’s character and emotional responses than the actual murder, exposing society’s need to rationalize actions and assign meaning.
How is Meursault responsible for the parricide too?
The court associates his emotional detachment from Maman’s death with his moral failure, as if lack of grief equals guilt—even in unrelated crimes.
Why does Meursault want them to greet him with cries of hate at the end?
He fully accepts the absurdity of existence and embraces life’s indifference. Hate gives his death a kind of acknowledgment that aligns with his awareness of death’s certainty.
