The Stranger

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.

Nobody realizes that some people expend tremendous energy merely to be normal.-Albert Camus

 

In Part II of Camu's The Stranger, Meursault is put on trial as much for the murder of the Arab as he is for his deviation from the standard norms of society. His behaviors go against what many believe is standard societal "normalcy". Our whole lives, we are told mixed messages. On one hand, we are told to stand on our own two feet, to be our own person, and not to care what everyone else thinks of us. On the other hand, those that are brave enough to stand out from the crowd and truly not conform to society are treated as outcasts, ridiculed and sometimes this persecution has dire consequences. What does it mean to be "normal"? Who gets to decide? What effect do these mixed messages have on the individual? On society? Think about this and explain your thoughts.

“Apathy is the glove into which evil slips its hand”

One of Meursault's most predominant character traits is  his apathy. He doesn't really care about anything or anybody. He is indiffent to Marie when she expresses her desire to marry and has no qualms about participating in the heinous plot to get revenge on Raymond's girlfrend. He doesn't even seem to care about the death of his own mother. It has been said the the opposite of good is not evil, but apathy. Do you agree with this statement? Is not caring really worse than evil? Use examples from real life as well as the novel to support your point of view. 

CAS...Helping others...Helping yourself...

I know many of you are worrying about the CAS component of your IB diploma. I know it seems that more and more responsibilities are being heaped on your plate. Between homework, jobs and sports; when is there any more time to give? It is believed that performing community service and helping others helps build character and makes you a better person. Do you agree with this? Do you think giving time and helping those in need builds character? If you are helping people because you have to and not because you want to generates the same effects? What do you hope to get out of the CAS portion of your IB experience?

The List

Here is the list of the films that would benefit you as IB students and as educated individuals. Remember none of these films are mandatory. Please do not watch anything that you or your parents would find objectionable. The ratings range from G to R. If you watch any of these films, please blog about what you thought about them, and why you think they were included on the list. Have a fabulous Winter Break. You deserve the rest. I am so very proud of each and every one of you!

These films appear in no particular order.

1) The Star Wars movies (this has become our modern mythology)

2) Forrest Gump (a comedy, a tragedy and a history lesson all in one)

3) Scarface (a commentary on the American Dream. Gatsby for modern times)

4) Gone With The Wind (yes its four hours long but it is an amazing story. I want Scarlett's red dress. You will know the one)

5) Fight Club/American Psycho***(neither are for the faint of heart or squeamish. Especially American Psycho. Both are examples of post modernist films and came from amazing books)

6) O Brother Where Art Thou? (a retelling of The Odyssey)

7) I Am Legend (a social commentary on the race for cures with dire consequences)

8) The Last Samurai (Amazing story about the end of the Samurai culture in Japan)

9) Saving Private Ryan (a historical WWII film that is one of the best)

10) The Lion King (best Disney cartoon. Every literary element appears in this film)

11) Seven Pounds (the ending will leave you speechless)

12) Blade Runner (a haunting, visually stunning dystopian society)

13) Alien (one of the scariest movies ever)

14) The Graduate (life after college with no answers)

15) Moulin Rouge! (sappy story, amazing visuals. Same director remaking The Great Gatsby)

16) The Breakfast Club/Ferris Bueller's Day Off (no better 80's movies exist that stand the test of time)

17) Psycho (Alfred Hitchock, the pioneer of horror movies)

18) The Silence of The Lambs (no more evil, creepy genius serial killer exists)

19) Legends of The Fall (amazing story of an American family post WW1)

20) Anchorman/Zoolander (ridiculous satire and just plain fun)

Start with these and I will publish Part II another time. Happy watching!

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17) Anchorman (just because its hysterical and ridiculous)

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IBelieve

 You have now completed your Group 4 project, an IA and your IOP's. Even though these were trying times and a tremendous amount of work, you should feel extremely proud of yourselves for your accomplishments. That being said, what have you learned about yourself? What have these tasks revealed about your strengths and areas that you need to improve on? Reflect on these tasks and what you have learned.

The List

I am putting the finishing touches on the list of films all IB students need to see. I will have it up in time for winter vacation so you can watch when you have the time.Some made the list because they are masterpieces in film making. Some because of their amazing storylines and other because of characters you never forget. A few are also thrown in for ridiculous fun. Before I upload the final list, what films do you think need to be added? Are there any that have stood out to you? That for one reason or another you can watch over and over and never get tired of? Give me your suggestions and explain why. (I am just warning you now, do not bother suggesting any Twilight crap, they will not be included)