The Stranger (first body)

Meursault's opening lines of the novel instantly expose his psychological indifference to the world around him.  Instead of grieving, he is emotionally removed, cold, and apathetic in regards to the news of his mother's death. Once he receives the telegram, his fundamental concern is finding out which day his mother passed away: "Maman died today. Or yesterday maybe, I don’t know. I got a telegram from the home: “Mother deceased. Funeral tomorrow. Faithfully yours.” That doesn’t mean anything. Maybe it was yesterday," (1). He does not express any anguish or sorrow, which makes him a  difficult character to classify. Moreover, he is neither happy nor unhappy; thus, it is challenging to cast him as being immoral or normal: he is simply amoral.  Meursault utterly declares the fact in a straightforward and ordinary manner. Already his opening lines connote one of the many themes in the novel: the meaninglessness of human existence. In addition, although Meursault dismisses the interpersonal, emotional, and collective matters of situations, he shifts his attention to the physical and practical details revolving around his mother's death. He finds particular interest in the heat, sky, and nature: "the sky was already filled with light. The sun was beginning to bear down on the earth and it was getting hotter by the minute...I was hot in my dark clothes...it was inhuman and oppressive," (24). Before his mother's funeral, he savors and appreciates the lovely climate and scenery. Likewise, Meursault does not feel pain nor sadness throughout the entire funeral process; however, he does find the heat unbearable, causing him more grief than the idea of burying his own mother into the ground. 

The Stranger (intro paragraph)

Albert Camus' novel, The Stranger, not only explores the meaninglessness of human life, but also the intense infatuation with the external world versus the internal world. The detached protagonist, Meursault, immediately reveals himself as a lost, emotionless individual in the beginning of the novel. Throughout The Stranger, Meursault constantly diverts his attention to his inner core, his intimate, yet solely physical relationship with Marie, his external life, and the extraneous components of his surroundings. While Meursault introduces the novel with an aloof reaction to his mother's death, his depravation in the prison cell at the beginning of part 2 causes him to focus on the internal as opposed to the external, unusually disclosing emotional information about Marie and shockingly, his mother. 

The Stranger (quick notes)

fascinated with the external normal life heat & sky

depravation makes him focus on the internal because there is no external anymore... unusually happy in prison

The Stranger (outline, thesis, best ideas)

Outline:

Intro paragraph: introduce the essay by speaking about part I first -- general statements about him being detached. Perhaps begin speaking about his unusual indifference with his mother's passing? Then, towards the thesis, become more specific about part 2 and how he reveals more emotion.

Thesis: irony about how once he is in a confined environment, he opens up!

First body paragraph: explore Meursault in part 1 to eventually make the connection... quote about his mom passing away and another one describing Marie.

Second body paragraph: explore Meursault in part 2 in the prison... one quote about how he feels in the prison itself... he starts to have these epiphanies about his life and then another quote about Marie (a perfect way to compare his detached self in part 1!)

Conclusion:

The Stranger (essay question)

I'm thinking of writing my essay on the sudden shift in emotion during the beginning of part 2 in the novel. Meursault finally allows himself to become a bit vulnerable and reveals his sensitive side to the audience. For example, he speaks of Marie in a different way and even mentions his mother! This was extremely surprising, considering Meursault has not mentioned his mother since the funeral in the beginning of the novel.

The Stranger (pg 65-79)

Meursault begins to comprehend that not only does he not care what happens, but that the world does not care either. For example, when Meursault told Raymond not to shoot the Arab and to give him the gun, that is when Meursault reached an epiphany: “it was then that I realized you could either shoot or not shoot.” His epiphany  connotes that no difference exists between the two alternatives. In addition, the nature motif reoccurs during this chapter. In the beginning of the chapter, Meursault portrays nature's benefits: the sun calming his headache and the sea providing him and Marie to swim and enjoy each other's company. However, as the chapter progresses, Meursault conveys nature in a negative light. Moreover, the heat oppressing Meursault is an example of nature's negative on him. 

The Stranger (pg 45-64)

Meursault asserts that although details may change, one’s life remains essentially constant: "I said that people never change their lives, that in any case one life was as good as another and that I wasn’t dissatisfied with mine here at all." This declaration implies that each person’s life is essentially equal to everyone else’s. It becomes clear that Meursault concentrates largely on the moment in which he finds himself, with little reference to past occurrences or future consequences. This outlook perhaps explains his ambivalent attitude toward marriage with Marie; thus, the emotional and sentimental aspects of marriage never enter into his mind.

The Stranger (translator's note)

Meursault addresses a specific conversation he has with Marie in a passage from Part One, Chapter 4. With characteristic emotional indifference and detachment, Meursault responds to Marie’s question with complete honesty: "a minute later she asked me if I loved her. I told her it didn’t mean anything but that I didn’t think so." Always blunt, he never alters what he says to be considerate or to conform to societal expectations. However, Meursault’s honesty reflects his ignorance. His blunt words connote that he does not fully understand or care to acknowledge the emotional stakes in Marie’s question. In addition, in Meursault’s assertion that whether he loves Marie or not love “doesn’t mean anything,” the reader begins to understand one of Meursault's central idea: that the human life is meaningless.

The Stranger (pg 33-44)

Meursault does not attempt to assign a rational order to the events around him, and he is largely indifferent to human activity; he does not see his mother’s death as part of a larger structure of human existence. Meursault is Camus’s example of someone who does not need a rational world view to function and can function in an universe that is indifferent to human struggles. In addition, Meursault places such importance on the physical aspects of existence. He barely addresses Marie's personality and character; however, he focuses on describing their physical interactions. Lastly, in chapter 3, Meursault's neighbor, Raymond, serves as a foul for Meursault. Raymond convinces Meursault to assist him in his scheme to take further revenge on his mistress, to punish her for her infidelity. After manipulation, Meursault adheres to Raymond's request; this crystallizes the distinction between Meursault and Raymond. Raymond arranges to have sex with his mistress and then spit in her face. He uses the physical act of making love to his advantage, as a tool to humiliate and punish his mistress. However, Meursault views his sexual affair with Marie as fundamental pleasure. 

The Stranger (pg 12-33)

"Maman died today. Or yesterday maybe, I don’t know." This is the first sentence in the novel, The Stranger, and we already discover the emotional indifference the novel's narrator and protagonist possesses. Meursault does not reveal any agony or dejection from the news of the telegram of his mother's death. Instead, he simply announces the news in an ordinary and frank manner. Moreover, he does not even care to find out the exact date of his mother's passing. His ambivalence and carelessness reveals a lot about his character. The reader can also perceive his aloof attitude as that he finds human existence meaningless. 

Style Matches Audience and Purpose

The text of the Bible's creation story, Genesis, is written in a simplistic form. Genesis contains clear, choppy statements illustrating a vivd image of all of G-d's commands. It's as if Genesis was written so every being could fully understand G-d's work and His creation of animals. "And G-d said, "Let"" begins every paragraph to establish G-d's supreme power. In addition, "And it was so" confirms G-d's authority in the world. Furthermore, not only does Genesis reveal the evolution of G-d's creation of the world, but it also affirms the reason behind G-d's will: "Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years (14-15). It is extremely straightforward and an easy read. The clear and picturesque diction makes the text accessible to children and adults.

Perks of Being a Wallflower is also written in a concise, straightforward format. The main character, Charlie, writes in his journal almost every day to another teenager around his age; thus, this kind of writing is also accessible to children and adults: "After the dentist's office, my mom drive me to the cemetery where a lot of her relatives are buried. My dad does not like to go to the cemetery because it gives him the creeps," (26). Using colloquial  language like "the creeps" connotes that this is a novel for a wide range of audience members. Genesis conveys a more informative tone, whereas Perks of Being a Wallflower affirms a serious, vulnerable, and eventually an adventurous tone. 

Darwin v Genesis

The text of the Bible's creation story is far more simplistic than the scientific writing of Charles Darwin. Genesis contains clear, choppy statements illustrating a vivd image of all of G-d's commands. It's as if Genesis was written so every being could fully understand G-d's work and His creation of animals. "And G-d said, "Let"" begins every paragraph to establish G-d's supreme power. In addition, "And it was so" confirms G-d's authority in the world. Furthermore, not only does Genesis reveal the evolution of G-d's creation of the world, but it also affirms the reason behind G-d's will: "Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years (14-15). It is extremely straightforward and an easy read. On the other hand, Darwin's scientific writing is more complex and includes plenty of scientific vocabulary that seems to reject religious. However, Darwin capitalizes the 'c' in Creator out of respect to the Church and religion. It is evident in his writing that he becomes defensive with some of the counter arguments being made against his theories. Darwin refers to natural selection as an example to support his claim that evolution is the foundation of the creation of animals: "The theory of natural selection, even if we looked no further than this, seems to me to be in itself probable. I have already recapitulated, as fairly as I could, the opposed difficulties and objections: now let us turn to the special facts and arguments in favour of the theory." Moreover, Darwin refers to modified descendants and their diversified habits and structures  which constructed the evolution of humanity.

In-class quiz

Warm sunshine fills the family's car on their way to the countryside, which connotes a significant contrast from the restrictive image of the Samsa's small apartment. In addition, the family concludes that now with Gregor deceased and removed from their lives forever, they now have better and aspiring things to look forward to. This feeling of relief affirms that the family obtains a sense of hope for the future. The last scene of the novel is an image of Grete stretching. Kafka symbolizes this act as Grete's own metamorphosis: emerging after a long period of confinement, as if from a cocoon. "It struck Mr. and Mrs. Samsa... how their daughter... had blossomed recently... into a beautiful and voluptuous young woman. And it was something of a confirmation of their new dreams and good intentions when at the end of their journey their daughter got up first and stretched her young body" (Kafka 53). Metamorphosis depicts a transformation during which an immature form of a species undergoes a physical or emotional transfiguration to become an adult. While Grete begins to uphold such unfamiliar responsibilities, such as watching over Gregor and finding a job to financially support her family, she gradually matures. Towards the end of the final scene, her parents realize is it time to find her a husband. This closing scene connotes that she has fully blossomed into an adult, emotionally and physically. 

The Metamorphosis: day five (45-58)

After Gregor's death, the family travels out to the countryside to get away from the stress and chaos that lies within their apartnment. Warm sunshine fills their car, which connotes a significant contrast from the restrictive image of the Samsa's small apartment. In addition, the family discovers that they have more money than they initially believed, and that all of their worrying for most of the novel was for nothing! Selfishly, the family implies that it was, of course, Gregor who kept them from a nicer home and living condition. Thus, the family concludes that now with Gregor deceased and removed from their lives forever, they now have better and aspiring things to look forward to. This feeling of relief affirms that the family obtains a sense of hope for the future. The last scene of the novel is an image of Grete stretching. I believe Kafka symbolizes this act as Grete's own metamorphosis: emerging after a long period of confinement, as if from a cocoon.

My Conrad Essay...

For this specific essay, I should pay attention to MLA format. I really want to continue splitting up the work next year in college. It is really helpful when Dr. Forman assigns a specific paragraph due a specific day so the class isn't stressed out the night before the essay is due! I have been using the colon in my titles this entire year, and this is another technique I want to continue in college. Throughout the writing process for this essay, my favorite part was fully investing myself in Frerud's theories on man and man's behavior. Philosophy is something that ive always been attracted to, so it was really awesome to explore that in class!

The Metamorphosis: day four (35-45)

During this part of the novel, the family begins to perceive Gregor's humanity in a different light. For example, Grete leaves milk for Gregor, remembering that milk was his favorite drink as a human. Thus, Grete assumes that although Gregor has now transformed into a bug, a little part of him remains the same. However, Grete soon realizes that Gregor does not like normal food anymore. He crawls on the walls, lounges underneath the sofa, and eats like an insect. In addition, Gregor's father does not regard Gregor as a human anymore. After his father comes home, he misunderstands his wife's screaming for Gregor attacking his wife. His father's immediate impulse is to find Gregor and beat him like a pest. However, Gregor suffers from an internal conflict. There are moments when he feels human. For example, Gregor feels relieved that his family did not spend all of the money he saved for them, but feels ashamed that he cannot financially provide for them anymore. He still feels a part of the family and yearns for them to need him again. Moreover, he covers a sentimental photograph of a woman with fur so his sister and mother won't remove it with the rest of the furniture. Gregor's humanity is fully exposed when he hovers over this prized possession. 

The Metamorphosis: day three (25-35)

Gregor's parents showed a great deal of appreciation when Gregor first started earning his salary to support the family, and Gregor felt proud to do so. However, as soon as his parents adapted to their new lifestyle of Gregor supporting the family, the parents' gratitude gradually diminished and he no longer felt the same feeling of joy in providing for them. Now, as a bug, he spends much of his time under the sofa, listening to his family converse their financial situation. Fortunately, Gregor discovers that his parents have saved some of the money he earned for them. However, he knows that that money will only last for so much time. He is ashamed when he hears his family speak of their economic issues and feels hopeless because of his father's lack of physical stability and his mother's asthma. He realizes it is very unlikely that his parents will find employment. Although Gregor and his parents have drifted apart from one another, he manages to stay close to his sister, Grete. Sadly, he had hoped and planned to pay for her to attend a music school to study the violin. 

The Metamorphosis: day two (15-25)

Money is a clear motif in the novel; it plays a major role in the Samsa family. After Gregor discovers his abrupt and traumatic transformation, he immediately worries about losing his job, one that he is not too fond of. The only reason Gregor continues to work for his boss is so he can pay off his parents' debt. Gregor is the only person in the family who works, which is bizarre and frustrating for Gregor since their debts truly affect the well-being of his family. Unfortunately, Gregor is left with the burden of being utterly responsible for paying these debts. In addition, the office manager proclaims that the chief suspects Gregor of stealing from the company, while Gregor's mother entreats the office manager, telling him what a loyal and hardworking employee Gregor is. 

Socratic Discussion HOD

I really enjoyed observing Blake, Robert, Matthew, Steven, and Tyler discuss Heart of Darkness and the essence of civilization. Although it was difficult not to participate, it was interesting to hear what they all had to say. Blake and Matthew were definitely the group leaders, but like Dr. Forman said in class, it's quality over quantity. So, although Tyler did not speak often, his ideas were well thought out and substantial. I think the majority of the group agreed that one is born good and it is civilization that deteriorates our natural good. Moreover, the group acknowledged that one must have some sort of rules or else one would live in a world with the utmost chaos. Tyler brought up a good point relating it to our lives today: imagine displacing Taft students to attend Buckley. Since we attend a private, college-prep school, we strictly follow the rules and The Buckley Commitment. Since Taft is a public school and has an extraordinary amount of students, it is more difficult to enforce rules. Another concept the group brought to my attention was whether it is unintentional or malicious, everyone judges. Judging can also be used as a mechanism to fit in! Thus, although Freud claims that one should not restrain one's instinct, it should depend on the circumstance. For example, if one has the instinct to kill, does that make it ok? Clearly, no. I'm so glad we got to explore Socratic method again this semester!

The Metamorphosis: day one (5-15)

Once Gregor first discovers that he has transformed into a giant insect, he does not appear to be troubled or concerned in any way. He regards this transformation as any normal disturbance to his sleep. Moreover, he continues to his proclaim his largely ordinary concerns: losing his job, sleeping comfortably, his family's economic situation. This maintains the novel's ridiculous tone, at least so far in the story.