The Stranger Chapter 1 Quiz

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?

Because it isn't true Signup and view all the answers

What is the reason given that Meursault's lawyer does not come to the magistrate hearing?

Unforeseen circumstances Signup and view all the answers

What question can't Meursault answer?

Why he shot the dead body four times after he paused. Signup and view all the answers

What does the magistrate wave over Meursault's head?

A silver crucifix Signup and view all the answers

Why can't Meursault concentrate in the magistrate's office?

It's hot and there were big flies landing on him Signup and view all the answers

What part of Meursault's confession can't the magistrate understand?

Why he hesitated before firing the second shot. Signup and view all the answers

Is Meursault sorry for what he did?

False Signup and view all the answers

How long does the investigation last?

11 months Signup and view all the answers

What name does the judge call Meursault?

Monsieur Antichrist Signup and view all the answers

What does Meursault feel at night in the prison?

Bugs crawling on his face Signup and view all the answers

While talking to Marie through the grates, a small man and old woman are on Meursault's left, what are they doing?

Staring at each other, not saying anything Signup and view all the answers

What does Marie say in her letter to Meursault?

That she isn't allowed to visit him anymore since she isn't his wife Signup and view all the answers

What does Meursault imagine living in?

A hollowed out tree trunk Signup and view all the answers

Who in the prison does Meursault end up making friends with?

The head guard Signup and view all the answers

What does Meursault do to compensate for not having his cigarettes?

Sucks on wood chips from his bed Signup and view all the answers

What does Meursault envision to pass time?

Every detail about his room Signup and view all the answers

How many hours has Meursault been sleeping a day?

16-18 Signup and view all the answers

Meursault finds a scrap piece of newspaper about a man from what country?

Czechoslovakia Signup and view all the answers

What can't Meursault do when he looks at his reflection?

Smile Signup and view all the answers

What does Meursault realize at the end of chapter 2?

The ringing voice in his head was him talking to himself all along Signup and view all the answers

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.