The Stranger

These prompts can be used for in-class discussion, exploratory free-writing, or reflection homework before or after reading the novel.

Pre-Reading “Icebreaker”

Imagine that you are the leader of a mission sent to test the habitability of a distant planet. There are two species of intelligent life indigenous to this planet. One lives in large groups, has relatively sophisticated weapons, and controls many of the planet’s resources. The other species lives in small, scattered settlements and has a culture that seems strange and rudimentary to you. For instance, they do not seem to make or use weapons at all. As the leader of a group of humans that needs resources to survive, will you treat these two species differently, or the same? What does your answer have to do with your beliefs about the intrinsic value of life? What does your answer have to do with how much empathy you’re capable of?

Teaching Suggestion: Use this prompt to guide students to start thinking about The Consequences of French Colonialism in Algeria. Let students know that they will be reading a book that takes place in Algeria at the time of French colonization, and that the main character will be a Frenchman whose actions are not really guided by loyalty to either side--that is, he will be like someone just trying to survive in a world that has a powerful group and a less powerful group. Ask them how Meursault’s actions are likely to change based on whether he believes that life has Meaning or that life is Absurd and meaningless. What consequences might this have for the Algerians in the novel?

Post-Reading Analysis

The Stranger is structured as a series of encounters that Meursault has with death. What experiences with death does he have throughout the novel, and how does each experience become more personal and intimate for him? What is Camus’ likely purpose in forcing Meursault to confront the reality of death? What conclusion does Meursault seem to come to when he is finally facing his own death at the end of the novel?

Teaching Suggestion: Use this prompt to help students formulate a clear understanding of Meursault’s Existentialism, his belief in an Uncaring Universe, and his inability to find the Meaning of Life. Help them to see how his own imminent death leads Meursault to embrace Absurdism. This Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy entry on Camus and Absurdism may be helpful.