In class, we haven't really discussed the title of Camus' work. Why do you think he chose to title his novel The Stranger? What is the meaning behind it? Who is The Stranger and why might he be considered as such? Think "big picture" on this one before you answer.
I think that Camus chose to title his novel "The Stranger" not only because the main character Mersault stood out in society for his lack of beliefs and morals, but he himself might have been seen as an outsider due to his absurdist viewpoint. As a whole, the idea of absurdism goes against every we have every been taught, so it's only natural that someone with such beliefs would be seen as strange. It makes sense that these absurd beliefs could be contained in a novel titled "The Stranger", for it is strange to us all.
ReplyDeleteThe title, The stranger definently fits the glove with Meursault's character. He is seen as a stranger/ outsider. He does not follow the trend of society norms. Like Thomas said the stranger also identifies Camu and how he stood up for absurdism. he wrote about what he believed even when it was obvious that it went against his era and was different. Although many may have agreed with him no one spoke out about the concept of absurdism as bluntly as he did and many like him.
ReplyDeleteThe Stranger is Meursault. We know that he is an outsider to the community he lives in and does not follow the social norm. He is a stranger to those closest to him. Celeste doesn't know much about him, other than the fact his mother died. Raymond only knows that he helped him write a letter and doesn't question his actions. Even though people know him, they don't really know him. Which is what they title means.
ReplyDeleteI think that he chose to name this novel the stranger because he wanted to emphasize how awkward the main character would be in his novel. I think the meaning behind it shows how he doesn't follow the societal norms of his community. This stranger is Meursault in the novel he might be considered as such because he is indifferent from everyone else in his society. It does also represent Camus in that he went against societal norms in the writing of this book.-Brandon Day
ReplyDeleteMersault represents the title "The Stranger" greatly. During the novel he reveals his apathy about life. He doesn't believe in God, he shows no sorrow at his mother's funeral, and he shows that he has no feelings for Marie. When she asks him if he loves her, he says no easily and when she asks him to marry him, he does not mind. His curse is his apathy which leads him to be the stranger. He does not react in situations like others which are called normal.
ReplyDeleteCamus chose the title the stranger because he wanted a title that would reflect the main character and theme of the book. Since Meursault is so different from the rest of society in his inability to truly express emotion and his lack of beliefs, he is like a stranger to society. Also the theme of the book is basically absurdism and since this is one of the first books to pioneer this theme then it is like a stranger to other novels. The meaning behind this is to show that someone who is different from society is really like a stranger to society because of how society outcasts them. The stranger is both Meursault and Camus. It is Meursault because of how different he is and it is Camus because he is introducing a new concept in literature which makes him like a stranger to the literary world.
ReplyDelete-Matthew Greene
I think Camus named the title of this book "The Stranger" because throughout the whole story Meursault is pretty much a stranger. You don't know what he think's, how he feels, or much about anything of his character. Not because it's hidden just because he doesn't have feelings or emotion. When you think about someone that is a stranger you know nothing about them. A stranger is not part of your group or your society just a Meursault doesn't really have a known place in society. He is an outsider.
ReplyDeleteHaley Rasnick
I think Camus titles his novel, "The Stranger" not only because the main person of the story (Meursault)was strange all together, but ultimately,all of the people he came in contact were, but they weren't exactly being judge for it,... at least to the extent he was. Think about it, Maman was never a religious person, but wanted a religious funeral, she is doing what society wants her to, attempting to be considered and "normy", knowing that she wasn't. Marie continued to pursue him, even though he wasn't that into her. If she couldn't tell, she has something wrong with her. Raymond doesn't get into trouble for beating the living crap out of his girlfriend, and Salamano has a love/hate relationship with his dog. The Champlain and the Priest force religion down Meursault's throat, and one of them called him the Anti Christ, which from what I have learned, that word isn't even supposed to be said out loud. They are all weird, but they aren't looked down upon in society. Emmanuel lets women take care of him, apparently that's not wrong either. Each of these people in the book, have weird aspects to them, even Thomas Perez, how often do men show emotion and cry like that? I think it was because Meursault just went against society in every way, shape, and form, people would say that that is why Camus named the novel, The Stranger, but in reality, the only thing that is strange about him is that he goes against social norms of that time and area. Now, he would be a typical person, is the way I see it.
ReplyDeleteCamus chose this title because it summarizes the main character in one word. Meursault is a stranger to society. He never makes any emotional connections. His friends are more like acquaintances than friends. Meursault’s “friends” begin to realize this as they try to defend him in court. By narrating the whole book through Meursault’s mind, Camus keeps him separated from society throughout the novel.
ReplyDelete-Alex Colling
I think that Camus titled the novel "The Stranger" because it represents how the main character, or anyone else, will be treated as such if they go against the norms of society. When someone is different from us, or new, or unfamiliar, they are considered a stranger. I think Camus kind of dehumanized the main character through this because it could go for anyone in any culture.
ReplyDelete-Lindsey Tonnesen
Camus probably used "The Stranger" as the book title because it represents Meursault and his role in the book. While Meursault knew people and had friends, he never really had a connection with anyone and, while they knew him, he was a bit of a stranger to them. Also, Meursault seems like a stranger to the whole society because he does not fit into the typical norms and ways of thinking of his society. In the end, he might as well be a stranger to his culture because the people of his culture do not understand him.
ReplyDelete-Krystal Midcap
A good quote i noticed in this book in regards to the title is on page 91 when there in court and the caretaker testifies and mentions that Meursault smokes and drinks coffee at the funeral. As an attempt to take some of the heat off Meursault the caretaker states that he is the one that offered the coffee and Meursaults lawyer says "the jury will take note of that" then the prosecutor shouts "Indeed, the gentleman of the jury will take note of the fact. And they will also conclude that a STRANGER may offer a cup of coffee, but a son would refuse it." This emphasises that meursaults behavior not only to the world but to his mother makes him stranger like. He offered the caretaker a cigarette at his own mothers funeral (which is what the prosecutor stated a stranger would do but with coffee), not only that but he accepted the coffee the caretaker offered him, which if he were a son he would refuse it so that also is calling him a stranger.He showed no remorse for his mothers death, and only complained about being hot and tired and annoyed by people crying, just like a stranger would. Not only with his mom does he act like a stranger towards but pretty much everybody in general, he never talks about stuff to his friends or tells about his life to them,just listens and agrees or disagrees with little input. You only know his first name and what he sees and thinks of in the moment he rarely ever thinks and talks about the past and when he does its just a small thought with little detail. He has absolutely no emotional ties to anything including himself. At his own trial he wasn't even nervous of what might happen to him he was actually interested in seeing a trial for the first time, when he is up and being asked his name etc. most people would have allot on their mind and be scared anxious or something, he just thinks about he is annoyed with the questions then concludes that "it would be serious if they did try the wrong man" instead of planning what he is going to say wondering what is going to happen, you know the typical things that would be going through someones head. He also never tries to defend himself, he thinks about it then concludes he really dont have anything to say, also like at his mothers funeral he dosent care whats going on he is too tired and hot to care, just as he claimed what happened with his mother. Meursault is a stranger to his mother, to his girlfriend, friends, neighbors, himself, to the world.
ReplyDeleteCamus chose the title "The Stranger" for this novel because it is the story of a man who is an outcast in the society due to his absurdest/ anti-hero outlook on life and everyone in it. Camus wrote this book because unlike how most book follow a normal path it goes against all of our beliefs and what we have been thought so it makes us question our society now. The meaning in this book is to show that even though we are taught to be individualistic and be our true selves Meursault ends up being punished for doing so instead of going along with the rest of his society. In "The Stranger" Meursault has no emotional attachments to anyone in his life and takes his life just day by day with no problems or cares in the world, this point of view is completely different from what we have been raised to believe. I have been taught to always care and love those close to who, never try to hurt them, and to care for the life that has been given to you. Meursault's character makes us question how we are judgmental to those who are different and do not accept those who stand out in the crowd.- Alicia Wilson
ReplyDeleteI believe that Camus chose the title "The Stranger" to describe the main character Meursault. He does not conform to society and stands as an outcast throughout the whole novel, even during his own prosecution at a trial. No one really knows anything about Meursault, only that he is very distinct. But not only describing Meursault, "The Stranger" relates to Camus and his unique writing style. The main character, and this entire novel, went against everything we are adapted to: attitude, actions, and beliefs/morals of everyday life. The title "The Stranger" demonstrates just how judgmental and criticizing we are when it comes to people who stand aside from society, and follow their own path.
ReplyDeleteI think "The Stranger" applies to Meursault and how everyone views him in the novel. He is an outcast, and someone who doesn't care about what others think. He only requires the necessities in life and doesn't really have any goal. This all shows how Camus envisioned Meursault. He represents the opposite of good, because he is in indifferent. I think this title simply represents the idea of someone who does not fit in society's definition of "normal". This is what truly causes Meursault's death, his attitude toward life. - Barack Jordan
ReplyDeleteI believe that The Stranger is a description of Mersault. He is a stranger to the world around him, as he does not feel as they do and does not care as they do. However, he is not actually a stranger to himself. Mersault knows exactly who he is though. He knows what he likes and what he does not like. This is all that really matters and this is all that should matter to anyone. Free will determines the life choices one makes, which in turn decide the life one lives. I also believe that Mersault is willing to stand by his beliefs when tested, even if he doesn't give an explanation for why he believes something. He believes that we all have free will.
ReplyDelete-Ashley Collins
The stranger, Meursault, represents all of the people of society that are different and refuse of conform and follow the rule and systems of society. The stranger is firm in their belief of what life is or what it isn't and lives their life according to what they believe. Meursault believes life has no purpose and that there is no point in having ambition and desires that every else has. Meursault has all of the characteristics of the stranger but the most important thing to remember is that the stranger doesn't really consider themselves to be strange they just consider themselves logical and see the views of everyone else to be extraneous and pointless.
ReplyDelete-Kayla Barrett
This novel is name the Stranger because the main character is strange. Meursault is the absurdist hero, he's different from the normal society. Everyone considers him strange and careless. No one in the novel knew him, they didn't know his thoughts, and they didn't know his feelings. He was a stranger to everyone and he was the main character.
ReplyDelete-Sylvia Williams