The Stranger
Albert Camus
Dear Class,
Our first novel this semester is The Stranger, by Albert Camus. It is set in Algeria, and was translated from French to English.
This novel is quite different from any we have read together so far this year. The language is relatively simple, the story is
relatively simple, and the book is relatively short. Considering this, you are probably wondering why I chose it. The answer is
found in the complexity of the protagonist’s character, particularly in terms of his philosophical beliefs. Figuring out how
someone so indifferent to society’s expectations can, in some ways, care so much about life, is key to understanding this text.
As I have said many times in the past six months, ninety percent of our work in this class involves inferring characterization.
As we undertake an analysis of Meursault together, we will also grapple with the ideas of Existentialism, which should lead to
some interesting class discussions. I suspect the next few weeks will prove interesting, enlightening, and (at least a little)
frustrating. At the very least, this novel is not centered on the issue of colonialism. Though it is set is in the pre-WWII French
colony of Algeria. And there is a clear social hierarchy favoring the French over the Arabians. And…okay, it is a colonial text.
But, we will devote most of our discussions to the philosophical characterization of Meursault. Embrace the struggle!
Love,
Mr. Chertok
Reading Schedule:
A
B
C/O 2/1
2/2
CH 6 2/9
2/10
End 2/17 2/18
Assignment: Annotations*
1. Summarize difficult portions of the text
2. Note key events; character’s names, thoughts, and actions; key conflicts; settings; symbols
3. Provide some analysis for the above
4. Follow the development of the conflict between Meursault and his society’s norms
 Examine the way Meursault behaves and thinks outside of the “ordinary”
 Examine how people around Meursault respond to his behavior and thoughts
 Follow the criticisms that are leveled at Meursault
5. Trace the existence of key motifs: light, colors, emotions, repeated statements or sentiments
 Track personal questions/connections/ideas
 Gaps of more than a page between annotations should be rare…The more you annotate the more active and engaged
your brain is
*You are required to have your annotations each day in class for all previously completed reading assignments.