The Stranger

Final Exam Study Guide

The Stranger: Short Essays

On the exam there will be 10 prompt questions from the following list. You must be prepared to answer 5 questions using concrete examples from the story. Each answer will be one paragraph (5-10 sentences for each answer). Each answer will be worth 25 points. You may use your own handwritten notes and your book. You may not use anything that has been typed up.

✓ You may use handwritten notes and your book

✓ 5 paragraphs minimum (1 paragraph =5-10 sentences)

✓ Each prompt answer requires at least a paragraph

✓ 25 points per paragraph

Prompt Questions (there will only be 10 on the test)

1. Discuss the cause-and-effect relationships in The Stranger that lead to the murder, Meursault’s trial, the verdict, and the death sentence. Does Meursault ever grasp the concept that he has committed a sin in the eyes of most of society because he took the life of another man? Answer the questions using concrete examples from the book.

2. Meursault is often very honest when it would be to his advantage not to be. Provide examples of these instances and discuss what he might have said. Then provide examples of when Meursault was not honest. What effect did his dishonesty have? Answer the questions using concrete examples from the book.

3. Why do you think Meursault shot the Arab? What is the symbolism in this action? How does this action connect to the ideas presented by Existentialists? Explain. Answer the questions using concrete examples from the book.

4. At the end of the novel Meursault refuses to change or pretend to change his religious beliefs. Do you think he is a hero for remaining steadfast in his beliefs---whether you agree with those beliefs or not? Answer the questions using concrete examples from the book.

5. Why do you think Camus chose to place Meursault in prison? What parallels are there in “real life”?

6. To what extent do you think The Stranger is an...