The Stranger

Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay. 

Scaffolded/Short-Answer Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the below bulleted outlines. Cite details from the novel over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. Many of the novel’s scenes take place in or near the ocean. What is the symbolic significance of this setting?

• What is the symbolic meaning of the sea in this story? (topic sentence)
• What events in the story take place in or near the water? What do these events have in common? What details and language support your ideas about what these events have in common?
• Finally, discuss in your concluding sentence or sentences how the symbolic significance of the ocean supports the novel’s overall meaning.

2. In well-constructed literature, violence is not included for entertainment value; instead, it is included to support meaning. Choose one of the violent incidents in The Stranger and explain how it supports the novel’s meaning.

• Besides its literal meaning in the plot, what larger meaning does the incident have? What else does the violent incident show is true about life? (topic sentence)
• What are three ways that the text supports your claim? Check the passage’s diction, imagery, details, and figurative language for evidence that your interpretation is correct.
• Finally, describe in your concluding sentence or sentences how this specific incidence of violence supports the novel’s overall meaning.

3. In Part 2 of the book, Meursault is at the mercy of a justice system that seems absurd to him. Explain his perspective on his trial and imprisonment.

• What does Meursault believe is true about his trial and imprisonment? (topic sentence)
• What specific thoughts does he have about these events, and how do his diction and tone support your interpretation of his perspective?
• Finally, discuss in your concluding sentences how Meursault’s perspective on the justice system highlights the novel’s concern with The Meaning of Life, Absurdism, or an Uncaring Universe.

Full Essay Assignments

Student Prompt: Write a structured and well-developed essay. Include a thesis statement, at least three main points supported by text details, and a conclusion.

1. Consider how the sun functions as a symbol in The Stranger. Formulate a thesis that encompasses both the sun’s symbolic significance and an assertion about how it supports the novel’s meaning. As you decide how to develop support for this thesis, think about what is happening when the sun is mentioned, Meursault’s reaction to the sun, and the language he uses to describe it. Use both quoted and paraphrased evidence as support for your claims, and be sure to cite quotations in MLA format.

2. Make and defend a claim about how the treatment of characters of Algerian descent in The Stranger supports the novel’s meaning. Consider the plot, Meursault’s attitude toward Algerians, and the narrative techniques that are used to separate Algerian characters--their lack of personal names, the descriptions given of them, their relative lack of development as characters, the use of the term “Arab” to refer to an Algerian population made up of both Arabs and Berbers, and so on. Use both quoted and paraphrased evidence as support for your claims, and be sure to cite quotations in MLA format.

3. Analyze the relationship between Meursault’s ambivalence about Marie and his ambivalence about life itself. What about Marie and his relationship with her is Meursault drawn to? How does this mirror what he enjoys about life in general? What seems to distance Meursault from Marie? How does this mirror the way he conducts his life in general? How do his thoughts about Marie when he is imprisoned echo, clarify, or contradict his earlier attitude toward her, and why does he have these particular thoughts as he is facing death? Use both quoted and paraphrased evidence as support for your claims, and be sure to cite quotations in MLA format.