The Stranger - Journal #9: Revised Thesis Statement

Thesis Statement:

Albert Camus uses repetition of specific phrases to parallel Mersault's emotions which illustrate how one's daily routine keep them from engaging in novel activities out of habit. The repetition of phrases are used through Mersault's lack of response towards people, Mersault's belief that words do not have meaning, and Mersault's contentment with his daily life.

The Stranger - Journal #8: Personal Response

Journal Prompt #8: Personal response to The Stranger + what literary value do you ascribe to the novel (what makes a book a great work of literature and does this book achieve that)

Response:
When I read The Stranger for the first time over the summer it easily became my favorite out of the three; something told me that it would be an exciting challenge to analyze and, well, I was right. Mersault did not seem like an ordinary fellow, which, I'm sure, bugged many people. I, on the other hand, found him fascinating from the very beginning. The way he processes his thoughts are similar to mine in someways; not his "values", but his thoughts. By having this connection to him it made the book an adventure to follow, I wanted to see what he would do next. Aside from personally enjoying The Stranger, I was also able to catch most of the "obvious" ideas in which we, as a class, discussed when we first began rereading the book. I also could see that there was far more potential once I read it again. As I went through the book for the second time I kept an open mind, but a sharp look-out for deeper meanings. I feared I would not be able to find the "hidden secrets" what I had looked forward to discovering. Now, after finishing The Stranger for a second time, there is not one page without stickies, highlighting, and notes and questions written in the margins. Although I certainly feel I have a better understanding of the ideas portrayed in the book than the first read through, I know that if I pick it up in another couple months I will be sure to find even more meaning.

The novel certainly holds great literary value. I believe a great work of literature entails a few things. First, it must relate to the human experience; without having a story that has meaning, what is the point in writing it? The Stranger allows the readers to see the world from someone who sees it slightly different than the "majority". This is a unique experience since many authors attempt to pull in the reader with something they can relate to, other than something they have to ponder on before they realize another's view is just as valuable. A great work of literature must also include a distinct style. Although writers each have their own style of writing, they are in control of how they create and carry out the story. Albert Camus does a fantastic job of this by gradually changing parts of Mersault's character throughout the book, while keeping a hold on his essentials as a character. Camus explores a style different than his other writings which shows how powerful an author is with words. The final ingredient to a great work of literature is an engaging story. That sounds ambiguous and it is, but for a reason: with every reader there is a plethora of individual experiences. To one person Their Eyes Were Watching God may appeal to them more than The Stranger, while another person feels just the opposite. Personally, I found The Stranger to be the one book out of my high school English career to have drawn me in the most. The novel was written in a unique style, unlike any other book I have read which intrigued me. A story may be engaging through the characters, or the plot, or even the figurative language used; however one finds a story to be engaging, it will always carry an interpretation of a meaning in which one can carry with them through life.

The Stranger - Journal #7: Thesis Statement and Quotes

Thesis: Camus repeatedly uses the same phrases throughout the book to illustrate how people's daily routines keep them from trying activities in which they normally would normally not engage in.

Quotes:

• "Almost as if it [...] I didn't say anything." (116)
• "I probably did love Maman, but it didn't mean anything." (65)
• "I said yes, but it was really all the same to me." (41)
• "I did it [...] because I didn't have any reason not to please him." (32)
• "The sky was green; I felt good." (26)
• "I felt like [...] a little guilty." (20)
• "The sky was already filled with light." (15)
• "Then I dozed off again." (11)
• "I recognized next [...] right at me." (86)
• ""Do you really [...] I didn't answer." (119)

Edit: Eight more! :)

• "For the first time in a long time I thought about Maman." (122)
• "I didn't feel anything except he was beginning to annoy me." (117-118)
• "He wanted to [...] it seemed unimportant." (116)
• "For the third [...] as it is." (108)
• "But the presiding [...] took me away." (107)
• "Fumbling a little [...] of the sun." (103)
• "Being the accused [...] anything to say." (98)
• "They weren't fanning [...] saying a word." (89)
• "One again he [...] the wrong man." (87)

The Stranger - Journal #6: Literary Questions

Journal Prompt #6:

Part one: 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.

Part two: Comment on at least five of your peers' blogs with an answer to one or two of their questions. Make your answers genuine and relevant. These answers should sound like a thesis statement. Remember the goal is to help you write a strong and insightful paper, so treat this assignment as preparation to do so.

Go back and edit your last post by copying and pasting the comments you left on other blogs onto your post. 

Response:

Part one: Questions

1. Why does Camus use a cigarette to symbolize Mersault's attachment to the physical world, rather than a car or something else in day to day life?
2. Why is color the main source of describing people and scenery?
3. Why is light portrayed as harmful and annoying to Mersault in part one and then as something he is searching for and wanting in part two? I can understand how Mersault would desire light and tie that into freedom in part two, but I do not understand why he does not like it in part one.
4. What role do the minor characters play in the naturalistic view of the story? Or more importantly, how does the lack of the minor characters from part one in part two affect the way Mersault sees the world?
5. Why does Camus use conjunctions at the beginning of sentences rather than connecting two linking ideas?

Part two: Comments

1.  Andy Luu - "4.) As we discussed in class, it could be that Camus is writing in a style much like human thoughts- choppy and jumps around. Camus writes like this to understand what is going through Mersault's mind, allowing the reader to understand Mersault on a psychological level."
2. Anthony Quach - "5.) Camus has the Arab prisoner refer to his mother as "Maman" to show the closeness between the two. Mersault was also close to his mother, and the Arab prisoner's interaction symbolizes how a simple change in one's life can have a different effect. If Maman had not died the wordless, yet meaningful, time would be spent with his mother, rather than the meaningless chatter between him and Marie."
3. Isabella Lewis - "5.) Mersault does not fit into society because he focuses on his own needs, rather than a greater picture for society. It is not that he is selfish as much as it is he has a different set of values. For example, when Marie asks him if he loves her he does not see the value in knowing that."
4. Kellsie Knolin - "4.) Camus uses the motif of heat throughout the story to note a change of events. Whether it be as simple as Mersault not wanting to swim anymore, to as complex as Mersault shooting the man, the heat always plays a factor in the cause which leads to the effect. In the courtroom Mersault becomes irritated not only because of the constant questioning, but because of the heat, which leads him to answering abruptly rather than thought-out (to some extent)."
5. Shannon Graham - "3.) The cigarettes represent Mersault's tie to the physical world. Although he describes the physical aspects around him, the one thing that shows how dependent he is on material items is the cigarette.
   
   Or...
   
   As a symbol for his routine, losing the cigarettes show how Mersault desires his life prior to prison; when he accepts that he can no longer have the cigarettes it shows how he has been able to change/adapt to his way of life."

 The answer key to literary life?

The Stranger - Journal #5: Part 1 vs. Part 2

Parallel Concepts

I believe Camus divided the book into two parts to demonstrate the (somewhat obvious) theme of how a simple event in one's life can affect their life dramatically.

In the first part of the book, the narrator focuses on Mersault's thoughts and the daily routine that he is used to. This part introduces the characters and allows the reader to get a sense of their motivations which, at the beginning, seem somewhat hidden. Marie's blatant motivation of love and marriage can be seen from the beginning; whereas Salamano's motivation of not being alone is woven in through the story, and is not known until he tells the story of his wife and dog to Mersault. The only character's motivation that is not clear in part one is Mersault's. In part two it becomes obvious that Mersault's need for a routine and something he can rely on is what truly motivates him, "In fact, during the last few months I've been sleeping sixteen to eighteen hours a day. That would leave me six hours to kill with meals, nature's call, my memories, and the story about the Czechoslovakian" (Camus, 79). The desire to have a schedule, and to focus on the physical world around him shows Mersault's motivation. Without Mersault killing a man, the second part would not have happened, thus making his motivation difficult to decipher.

Although part on and two differ, there are parallels in both parts. Mersault describes the world around him quite accurately in both parts, all except for Marie. He refers to her as looking beautiful when they swim, as well as when she comes to visit him in jail, but he never goes into further detail, "I thought she looked very beautiful, but I didn't know how to tell her" (Camus, 74). Mersault's loss of words to describe Marie repeats throughout the first part and shows up again to show how little he feels or wants to feel about people. He attempts to be "just like everybody else", but through his descriptions, or lack of, one can see how he tends to focus on different aspects than people would normally do (Camus, 66). The precise detail of scenery and events caries throughout the book, in both parts, to show how Mersault's character and that a part of him does not change.

The Stranger - Journal #4: Six Insightful Questions

Questions: Prior to "Part Two"

1. Why does Mersault note every time Marie laughs? Is there something about her character that needs to be supported by her laughter?
2. Why is Mersault's age never mentioned? Mersault refers to Salamano as an old man, but Raymond calls Mersault an old man, as well.
3. Why is color used most often to describe places and people rather than the actions that take place?
4. Why does Mersault put emphasis on what he wants to do rather than what he needs to do?
5. Why does Mersault always describe a situation with the direct reasoning? He uses "because", "told", and "explained" frequently when describing what a person did.
6. Why does Raymond seem like he is the "know-it-all" and "toughest" person? He attempts to fight the Arabs for his own benefit; he also makes a comment to Salamano about dogs, making it seem like he knows/wants to know more about the topic than Salamano.
7. Why does Mersault rethink his opinions, then forget about the first impressions? (ex. "I had the impression that Raymond knew where he was going, but I was probably wrong." (55)
8. Why does Camus change his syntax when the atmosphere changes? The usual short sentences with little imagery become complex and have vivid visual imagery, usually describing Mersault's views. Semicolons are used in the last paragraph of chapter six, instead of periods as Camus usually uses.

The Stranger - Journal #3: Personal Philosophy

Journal Prompt #3:

You will demonstrate your understanding of the importance of one's world view by scrutinizing your thoughts on how the world works and indentifying guiding principles for your own philosophy.

establishes and introduces your philosophy.

 

Response:

"Equalism"/Equality

(Egalitarianism is the closest to an actual belief.)

Throughout my life I have seen the world in various ways. As a child I was raised in a Catholic family, so Theism was a big part of my life up until my teenage years. After my mother's passing, my world was flipped upside down and I began to question what I once knew. There was much more to the world than the safety of Tigard I had only known. I then saw not only the problems that faced my community, but the entire world. I determined the largest issue is the lack of equality. As an United States' citizen, I value individual rights over most everything else. I strongly believe that every individual has the right to live their life the way they please, regardless of religion, gender, sexual orientation, education, social/financial statuses, physical/mental disabilities, etc. Every person is human and should not be treated as a lesser just because they are different. Equality is the driving belief in my everyday life.

Guiding principles:

• Talk to anyone and everyone; include those who seem to be left out of a group.
• Get to know a person through similar interests. There is always at least one thing people can relate to, it just takes a genuine attempt to find it.
• Do not make assumptions or judge people without getting to know them. Stay optimistic when meeting new people.
• Work together on issues/projects to improve the community. Most people would enjoy a better world, but it does not happen by oneself.
• Spread the word on equality. Take part in in diversity days, celebratory months, and times of awareness. How many people knew that March 8th was International Women's Day?
• Be a positive person and make something of oneself. I admit that I am not always positive, but I can accomplish more and express my individuality when I am. :]
• Somewhat cliche, but be responsible for ones actions. Every individual is in charge of themselves, meaning that if they make a hurtful comment about another it often hurts the individual as well.
• Have an open mind. Creative thinking can only happen when someone is willing to open up and think differently. It is the same with people. If prejudices overwhelm someone, they are more likely to stick with their own way of thinking instead of exploring the opportunities of others out there.
• Take pride in oneself. If one does not feel like an important individual, they will not want to be one. To help out others, one must be confident in their own abilities and feel comfortable knowing that they are just as important as everyone else.
• A cliche, but it is the most important: respect one another. It has been touched on in the other principles, but it needs to be made clear. Everyday I go through life thinking about not only what will benefit me, but what I can do for others through my individual actions. A courtesy word someone whom one does not normally talk to can open up a path for a worldly connection. Every action, every word matters.

The Stranger - Journal #2: Translation and Title

Journal Prompt #2:

Part one: According to your work today in class, which translator would you argue has the most literary value and why? What elements of the text are you valuing by the decision you made?

Part two: According to the above meanings for the work "e'tranger", what title would you assign the English translation of the text and why. Go as far as to cite specific examples from the book that support your decision.

Response:

Part one: The comparison between Ward's and Gilbert's translations is quite shocking due to the distinct styles they each have. Although both translators hold literary value, I find Ward's translation to be the most effective. Ward's short sentences and bland description matches my view of the emotions in the book. The lack of adjectives allow a direct meaning to stand out, rather than cover it with description. It seems to me that Ward distances the reader through a linear style of writing and making concise statements. Gilbert, on the other hand, uses fuller description, but it is in a harsh tone; such as when he used the word "struck" it illustrates a violent picture in the readers head, which is his way of distancing the reader from the characters. By using concise wording, it is unlike human emotions since there is no notice of description which makes the reader feel distant, thus why Ward's lack of description makes an effective translation. I also find Ward's use of syntax to be powerful. The choppy, semicolon ways of Gilbert add pauses and even might confuse a reader, but Ward's use of periods makes it clear that a thought has ended. Through Ward's translation it is clear that Mersault jumps back to a thought later on, rather than lingering on it. One last reason I see Ward's work has the most literary value is the diction. Ward keeps the French word "Maman", giving an intimate feeling and showing that there might be more emotion to Mersault than he is given credit for. Ward also keeps kilometers, sticking to the authenticity of the French novel.

Part two: Out of the titles given, I feel that The Stranger still fits the book the best. The word "outsider" seems as if someone, in this case Mersault, is not being accepted into society, rather than how I see that he does not try to understand his community. A "foreigner" paints an image of not only someone different, but from a different place. Although the book never states where Mersault was born, it would seem as though he has grown up in the same area or has at least been there long enough to get to know the people in his neighborhood. Using the word "stranger" implies an uncertainty, even a sense of danger. Mersault often states how he has little opinion on things, which shows how little other characters know about him. When Raymond asks Mersault's opinion on the scandal, Merault replies with: "[...] I didn't think anything, but I said that it was interesting" (Camus 32). This lack of information on Mersault distances a person, as if they do not know him well, much like someone would question a stranger's character. Later on when Mersault shoots the Arab, Mersault becomes seen as a dangerous person. Since the people who assume Mersault is dangerous do not know him personally, he has somewhat of a "stranger" persona. Many aspects of being a "stranger" are seen through Mersault's character, allowing the title The Stranger to work well.