Questions and Answers
What didn't Meursault have at the beginning of the chapter?
An attorney
What is sitting on the desk in the dark room?
A lamp
What embarrassing question does the lawyer ask Meursault?
If he'd felt any sadness the day Maman died.
Why doesn't Meursault agree to say he 'held back his natural feelings' the day Maman died like his lawyer suggests?
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What is the reason given that Meursault's lawyer does not come to the magistrate hearing?
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What question can't Meursault answer?
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What does the magistrate wave over Meursault's head?
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Why can't Meursault concentrate in the magistrate's office?
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What part of Meursault's confession can't the magistrate understand?
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Is Meursault sorry for what he did?
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How long does the investigation last?
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What name does the judge call Meursault?
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What does Meursault feel at night in the prison?
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While talking to Marie through the grates, a small man and old woman are on Meursault's left, what are they doing?
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What does Marie say in her letter to Meursault?
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What does Meursault imagine living in?
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Who in the prison does Meursault end up making friends with?
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What does Meursault do to compensate for not having his cigarettes?
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What does Meursault envision to pass time?
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How many hours has Meursault been sleeping a day?
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Meursault finds a scrap piece of newspaper about a man from what country?
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What can't Meursault do when he looks at his reflection?
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What does Meursault realize at the end of chapter 2?
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Study Notes
Attorney and Court Room Dynamics
- Meursault starts the chapter without legal representation; he lacks an attorney.
- A lamp illuminates the desk in the dark magistrate's office, creating a stark atmosphere during the proceedings.
Interrogation and Meursault's Emotions
- The lawyer embarrassingly questions Meursault about feeling sadness over his mother's death.
- Meursault refuses to claim he "held back his natural feelings," asserting it is not truthful.
Legal Proceedings and Personal Reflection
- Meursault's lawyer is absent at the magistrate hearing due to "unforeseen circumstances".
- He struggles to answer why he shot a dead body four times after initially pausing, indicating an emotional disconnect.
Symbolism and Concentration
- The magistrate waves a silver crucifix above Meursault, symbolizing judgment.
- Concentration is hindered for Meursault in the magistrate's office due to oppressive heat and flies.
Confession and Remorse
- The magistrate is confused about Meursault's hesitation before the second shot during his confession.
- Meursault expresses no remorse for his actions; instead, he feels annoyance regarding the situation.
Duration of Investigation and Judicial Perception
- The investigation into Meursault's actions lasts an extended period of 11 months.
- The judge labels Meursault as "Monsieur Antichrist," reflecting a biased perception of him.
Isolation in Prison
- In prison, Meursault experiences discomfort from bugs crawling on his face at night, highlighting his mental state.
- During a conversation with Marie through prison bars, an old woman and small man sit silently, enhancing the theme of isolation.
Communication Barriers
- Marie's letter reveals her inability to visit due to not being his wife, emphasizing loss and separation for Meursault.
- He imagines living in a hollowed-out tree trunk, symbolizing confinement and desire for freedom.
Friendships and Coping Mechanisms
- Meursault forms an unlikely friendship with the head guard, suggesting moments of camaraderie amidst despair.
- To compensate for lack of cigarettes, he resorts to sucking on wood chips from his bed, illustrating his resourcefulness.
Time and Reflections
- Meursault engages in deep contemplation about his surroundings, examining every detail of his prison room.
- Sleeping habits are excessive, averaging 16-18 hours a day, indicative of his detachment from reality.
External Connections
- He finds a scrap of newspaper about a man from Czechoslovakia, hinting at his awareness of the outside world.
- When looking at his reflection, Meursault realizes he cannot smile, symbolizing inner turmoil and detachment from emotions.
Self-Realization
- By the end of the chapter, Meursault recognizes that the ringing voice in his head is a manifestation of self-dialogue, signifying introspection and mental struggle.
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Description
Test your understanding of Chapter 1 of 'The Stranger' by Albert Camus. This quiz explores courtroom dynamics, Meursault's emotional state, and the symbolism present during the legal proceedings. Reflect on key themes and character interactions as you answer the questions.