The Stranger Chapter 1 Review

Questions and Answers

What does the reference to a soldier tell you about the time period of the story?

There was a war that might have been going on in World War.

After Meursault arranged for his mother to live in a nursing home, why did he visit her so infrequently?

He didn't want to spend all day traveling, and she would cry if she wasn't taken out of the home. The bus was crowded and it would waste his Sunday.

Why was it odd that Madam Meursault desired a religious burial?

She wasn't a religious person.

Does Meursault give an explanation for wanting/not wanting to see the open casket? Why would someone respond in this way? In your opinion, is this normal behavior?

Meursault didn't want to see the casket because he felt like there was no reason for him to see his mother. In my opinion, this isn't normal behavior because he was given a last and final chance to see his mother's face. Signup and view all the answers

Where is the caretaker from, and what is his age?

The caretaker was from Paris, and he is 64 years old. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Meursault's dream-like experience beginning on page 9. What is happening?

The dream is about someone going to die. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of holding a vigil? How long does it last?

A vigil is the inability to sleep. It lasts all night before a religious feast, or to pray. Signup and view all the answers

What is Thomas Perez's relationship with Maman?

Thomas was very close with Maman; he was recognized as Maman's fiancé. Signup and view all the answers

How do they reach the church, how long does it take, and how is the casket transported?

They walked to the church for about three quarters of an hour. The casket was transported by the undertakers. Signup and view all the answers

What are three of Meursault's last thoughts of the burial?

The earth pattern on Maman's coffin, the villagers on the street and the look of the church, and the old boy's face. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Context of the Story

The narrative is set against the backdrop of a war, likely World War-related, influencing societal attitudes and individual experiences.

Meursault's Relationship with His Mother

Meursault arranged for his mother to stay in a nursing home, visiting infrequently due to the inconvenience of travel and her emotional reactions.
He found the crowded bus rides disruptive and preferred to avoid the emotional burden of seeing her upset.

Burial Preferences

Madam Meursault's wish for a religious burial seems contradictory since she was not a religious individual in life, raising questions about societal expectations.

Meursault's Attitude Towards Death

He declined to see his mother’s open casket, feeling no compulsion to do so, which some may perceive as abnormal for not seeking closure.

Caretaker's Background

The caretaker who handled arrangements was from Paris and was 64 years old, adding a layer of character to the funeral setting.

Dream-Like Experiences

Meursault experiences a dream hinting at impending death, reflecting his complex feelings towards mortality and the surreal aspects of grief.

Vigil Significance

Vigils hold cultural importance for reflecting on loss, lasting all night for prayer or honor before a religious feast, symbolizing community and remembrance.

Thomas Perez

Thomas Perez shared a close bond with Madam Meursault, regarded as her fiancé, highlighting connections formed through companionship in life and death.

Journey to the Church

The procession to the church involved a walk lasting around three-quarters of an hour, indicating the physical labor involved in funeral customs of the time.
The casket was transported by undertakers, a standard practice emphasizing the professionalism of funeral services.

Meursault's Final Thoughts

Key reflections include the earth pattern on the coffin, villagers’ reactions during the procession, and an old boy's face, illustrating the somber atmosphere and personal observations during the burial.

Description

Explore key themes and events in Chapter 1 of 'The Stranger'. This review guide includes flashcards that detail important contextual elements and character motivations. Perfect for students looking to enhance their understanding of Camus' classic novel.