Critial Essay: The Stranger
DUE DATES:
FIRST DRAFT: MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2nd
FINAL DRAFT: TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9th
DESCRIPTION
Length: 2 pages
Format: typed, double-spaced, Times New Roman font, 12 point
Ø The requirements for the actual body of your paper are included on the rubric.
Ø For this essay, there will be 1 draft for revision and 1 final draft
Ø A copy description of this assignment can be found on the AP Lit blog, at http://www.juliusaplit.blogspot.com/
Ø This essay will be assigned a letter grade, and will be worth a total of 50 points.
Ø Mr. Julius’ email address: ajulius@lvlhs.org
Ø Choose only ONE of the following prompts.
ESSAY PROMPTS
1. Discuss the questions: Is Meursault really a threat to his society? Does he deserve the death penalty? Is he more dangerous, or less dangerous, than a criminal who commits a clearly motivated crime? Use specific quotes from Meursault’s own thoughts and dialogue that express whether Meursault (and people like him) might be considered ‘dangerous.’
2. How does The Stranger explore the theme of the ‘meaningless of human life’? Choose and discuss specific scenes or internal dialogue in which the novel expresses this concept, which is one of the central themes of the novel. Focus on Meursault’s worldview, and tackle the question as to why you think Meursault becomes so detached from the world, and so seemingly indifferent or emotionless.
3. Since Meursault is the first person narrator of the novel, the reader sees characters through his eyes only. Using the information that Meursault provides, choose three characters and analyze them closely. For example, what does Meursault really think of each character, and how do they react to (and interact with) Meursault, and what general role do they play in Meursault’s story?
4. Compare and contrast the relationship between Salamano and his dog with the relationship between Meursault and his mother. What are the similarities? What are the differences? Comment on the role of emotions in each relationship; such as love, antagonism, unhappiness, etc.
5. Analyze the role that heat, the sun, and general weather plays in The Stranger. At what plot points in the story does Meursault comment the heat and the sun, and what effects do they have on him? What relationships can be drawn between the heat, the action taking place, and Meursault’s outlook on life?
DUE DATES:
FIRST DRAFT: MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2nd
FINAL DRAFT: TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9th
DESCRIPTION
Length: 2 pages
Format: typed, double-spaced, Times New Roman font, 12 point
Ø The requirements for the actual body of your paper are included on the rubric.
Ø For this essay, there will be 1 draft for revision and 1 final draft
Ø A copy description of this assignment can be found on the AP Lit blog, at http://www.juliusaplit.blogspot.com/
Ø This essay will be assigned a letter grade, and will be worth a total of 50 points.
Ø Mr. Julius’ email address: ajulius@lvlhs.org
Ø Choose only ONE of the following prompts.
ESSAY PROMPTS
1. Discuss the questions: Is Meursault really a threat to his society? Does he deserve the death penalty? Is he more dangerous, or less dangerous, than a criminal who commits a clearly motivated crime? Use specific quotes from Meursault’s own thoughts and dialogue that express whether Meursault (and people like him) might be considered ‘dangerous.’
2. How does The Stranger explore the theme of the ‘meaningless of human life’? Choose and discuss specific scenes or internal dialogue in which the novel expresses this concept, which is one of the central themes of the novel. Focus on Meursault’s worldview, and tackle the question as to why you think Meursault becomes so detached from the world, and so seemingly indifferent or emotionless.
3. Since Meursault is the first person narrator of the novel, the reader sees characters through his eyes only. Using the information that Meursault provides, choose three characters and analyze them closely. For example, what does Meursault really think of each character, and how do they react to (and interact with) Meursault, and what general role do they play in Meursault’s story?
4. Compare and contrast the relationship between Salamano and his dog with the relationship between Meursault and his mother. What are the similarities? What are the differences? Comment on the role of emotions in each relationship; such as love, antagonism, unhappiness, etc.
5. Analyze the role that heat, the sun, and general weather plays in The Stranger. At what plot points in the story does Meursault comment the heat and the sun, and what effects do they have on him? What relationships can be drawn between the heat, the action taking place, and Meursault’s outlook on life?
