*Update: I would like you to attempt a focus on a single stylistic choice Camus made as the focus of your thesis statement. A lot of the thesis statements are taking on philosophies, which works as a "so what", but stronger essays will start with a more narrow look at how Camus molds the text and then address the philosophy as a result of those specific choices by the author. *
- Finish The Stranger
- Write a fleshed out and solid thesis statement for your The Stranger essay (post as a comment on this post + bring a typed triple-spaced copy to class on Monday
- Reflective statement
- Vocabulary and The Stranger test on Monday
Journal #4 and #5 (see previous post) will be due by Friday of next week - work on those through the week. As soon as you have those completed you can submit your batch of Stranger journals to turnitin.com.
In Camus’ novel The Stranger, Camus uses language and the structure of dividing the novel into two parts to distinguish the difference of Meursault as a disheartened and unmotivated character in the first part to a more understanding and optimistic character in the second part. Through this method Camus illuminates Meursault’s epiphany that humans contain the ability to determine what has meaning in life.
ReplyDeleteIf you are going to identify the elements of language and structure in your thesis you need to clarify what it is about his use of language (too broad at this point).
DeleteYou have a good "what" in revealing Meursault's epiphany but you need to keep going and identify what Camus is saying the "so what" is. Would Camus agree with meursault's realization? Just clarify that distinction.
In The Stranger, Camus uses the motif of death to make Meursault question the meaning of life. In his questioning he comes to the realization that life in itself is reason enough to live. Everyone will be met with death, so life should be lived how one chooses.
ReplyDeleteThe motif does not directly influence Meursault - motif is something the author imposed on the text. You can address plot events' influence, but motif doesn't fit unless you talk about how motif influences a reader's understanding of the character.
DeleteYour "so what" should move beyond Meursault's realization and into Camus purpose. They may align, but you need to clarify that.
Camus shows through the character of Mersault that those who think in the most rational form do not fit in the absurdity of the world. This can be shown through Mersault’s relation to Marie, the magistrate and how others view his sense of morality.
ReplyDeleteByt stating 'vocab and The Stranger' test, does that mean we are having a test on the book itself?
ReplyDeleteIn The Stranger, Albert Camus shows a shift in Mersault's thinking within his surrounding by dividing the book into two parts. This emphasizes the effect death can have over a person's thoughts when they know that time is about to come.
ReplyDeleteI edited it a little: In The Stranger, Albert Camus shows a shift in Mersault's thinking within his surrounding by dividing the book into two parts, emphasizing the effect death can have over a person's thoughts when they know that time is about to come. This is shown through his participation in the present, his thoughts on Maman, and his final thoughts on Marie.
DeleteIn Albert Camus’ The Stranger, Meursault’s thoughts within his surrounding are altered through the divisions of the novel into two parts. This reveals Meursault’s realization of his life coming to a close end through his death. His participation in the present, his thoughts on Maman, and his thoughts on Marie demonstrate his shift in thinking.
DeleteTurned in all 5 journals to turnitin.com :)
ReplyDeleteand my thesis is that:
In the Stranger, Albert Camus shows the audience that a person cannot and should not accept the societal norms if that is against who they are. This is evident throughout the book with the character Mersault. It becomes more clear at the end of the book that this is Camus's ultimate statement, especially during the trial and when Mersault is faced with death.
Camus uses characterization and syntax to portray this.
DeleteOne last thing, I do not remember what the reflective statement is... Can someone please reply to this post and remind me? Thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteYou just take the articles that you have been researching and annotating, and relate them to The Stranger and Albert Camus and see how did that topic affect the book or Camus himself. It should also be a one page paper.
DeleteI have a question. When we turn in our journals to turnitin.com, do we copy paste it or do we turn in it as a word document?
ReplyDeleteI usually copy and paste because it will not let me upload a word document
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ReplyDeleteIn "The Stranger", Albert Camus splits the book into two parts, manipulating foils and syntax in both parts in order to depict the struggle that Meursalt has against The Absurd. By doing this, Camus shows that it is humanly impossible to find the meaning of the world.
ReplyDeleteI'm not arguing that the book is existential, but the ideas will surface in my essay. Will this thesis be okay?
DeleteIn Albert Camus’ The Stranger, Camus uses Meursault to tell the story from a first person perspective. Through Meursault’s lack of attention to time passing, he becomes an unreliable narrator and Camus creates a mood of uncertainty and doubt revealing Camus’ belief that in order to find meaning in life one must recognize the limited time available, and those who ignore their limited time and the search for meaning deserve death. Meursault’s plan to get to Marengo, his dealings with the old woman at Celeste’s, and the night before his execution all show how Meursault deals with the passing of time.
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ReplyDeleteIn Albert Camus’ The Stranger, Meursault is observant of the physical and natural world and it seems as if it is the most important thing to him. Through Meursault’s observation of the physical world, Camus reveals that being influenced highly by the physical aspects of the world results in a meaningless and absurd reaction. This is shown through Marie, his observation of the city, and the killing of the Arab.
ReplyDeleteIn Albert Camus' The Stranger, Camus uses ambiguity to create uncertainty throughout the novel. Ambiguity can be found in Camus' word choice in narration, Meursault's unwillingness to give an opinion, and the lack of justification for many characters' actions, among other things. The uncertainty that it creates affects the reliability of the narrator and the interpretation of the characters, and ultimately, expresses the supposition that, in life, one can never be completely sure of the motives behind anyone's actions – even their own.
ReplyDeleteIn The Stranger by Albert Camus, Camus uses a distorted sense of chronology of time through Mersault's description of stories in order to highlight the things that are most important to Mersault and express that he goes through life without a certain sense of time.
ReplyDeleteIn The Stranger, Mersault is brought a sense of oppression or discomfort in the presence of light. Camus uses light as a motif to illustrate the difficulties people face when their actions stray from the morals set in place by society. Mersault's struggles with society are seen at Maman's funeral, at the beach before the Arab is killed, and in prison.
ReplyDeleteThrough the use of first person narration in the noel The Stranger, Albert Camus is able to depict Meursault’s sense of detachment from the world around him. Meursault’s self-exclusion is shown through his detailed focus on his surroundings over interactions, his judgmental manner in which he asses those around him, as well as his blatant feelings which are expressed without regard to those around him, or their impact.
ReplyDeleteIn Albert Camus' The Stranger, Camus uses the motif of nature throughout the novel to demonstrate that Meursault is more affected by nature than by other people. This is seen at the end of the book as well when Meursault sees the world itself like a brother and can identify with it.
ReplyDeleteCamus uses the syntax through short sentence structure in the beginning of the book, and than contrasting it with long sentences in the second half and the use of symbols like the sun making him tired; to demonstrate what effects Meursault, what defines his character.
ReplyDeleteIn Albert Camus’ The Stranger, the motif of time represents order. In this novel, Meursault’s loss of awareness of time illustrates his detachment from the order created by society. Camus suggests through the motif of time, that ignoring societal expectations can create indifference, but going against society’s rules and laws is detrimental.
ReplyDeleteIn Albert Camus' The Stranger, Camus uses the motif of Nature to show that Meursault is a simple being who is conected more with nature than the complex society he exists in.
ReplyDeleteThrough first person narration, Camus shows Mersualt's view on love and women by expressing his thoughts and feelings through short descriptions, monotonous dialogue, and a motif of "wanting" Marie. Camus uses Mersault to express his cynicism towards the feeling of love and his view on the blunt nature of humans.
ReplyDeleteAlbert Camus uses syntax in his novel The Stranger to seperate Meursault from the rest of society. This creates a constant strugle between Meursault and society. This shows how the religious choices Meursault makes is viewed by society.
ReplyDeleteIn The Stranger, Albert Camus uses manipulates the imagery of nature to turn the sun and wind into symbols. These symbols represent the deterministic view points in the novel. The deterministic nature of the novel in turn helps the reader recognize Meursault's change throughout the novel into a character that has given up hope.
ReplyDeleteBrian Josephson
ReplyDeleteIn the novel "The Stranger," Albert Camus compares himself to the narrator, Meursalt, through his use of characterization, and his portrayal of Meursalt having a similar background and viewpoints on life. Camus does this in order to represent his absurdist ideas through Meursalt's thoughts and actions
In Albert Camus’ The Stranger, a motif of food is implemented, characterizing multiple supporting characters. Each character has different culinary items associated with them, emphasizing the different influences that they have on Mersault. The caretaker, Raymond and Masson influence Mersault.
ReplyDeleteIn Albert Camus’ The Stranger, Meursault’s thoughts and actions within the novel are often overpowered by the influence of nature. This influence is revealed through both imagery and symbolism and is shown during Maman’s funeral, the killing of the Arab, and in prison.
ReplyDeleteIn Albert Camus’ The Stranger, the character Meursault uses reoccurring symbols. The use of cigarettes shows a sense of self-destruction. Meursault knows this could kill him but continues to smoke them. At the end of his life he is forced to quit but when given the opportunity he refused.
ReplyDeleteIn Albert Camus' The Stranger, the motif of Meursault's sleepiness symbolizes the way he lives his life in a dream like state without moral concern nor realizing consequences.That is until part 2, Meursault is forced to face his actions against the law and finally wakes up from the 'dream', able to view the world.
ReplyDeleteWere we supposed to do our reflective thing on the most interesting topic like in class or on our own articles?
ReplyDeleteour own
Deletewe wrote in class about other peoples topics