The Stranger Part 1 Chapter 2 Questions

Questions and Answers

Does Meursault get along with his boss? How does his boss feel about Meursault?

Meursault does not really get along with his boss. His boss is unhappy because he had expected Meursault to be excited at the opportunity in Paris.

What sort of involvement does Meursault have with Marie Cardona in this chapter?

He rests his head on her body, they lie together looking at the sky, swim happily, and flirt. Marie accepts his invitation to see a movie.

Do Meursault's activities on the day after his mother's funeral seem appropriate?

True

Describe the type of existence Meursault lives in his apartment.

He just drinks coffee, smokes, and watches TV, only moving from one room to the next. Signup and view all the answers

Enumerate some references to nature Meursault describes from his balcony. What is the significance of his observations?

Meursault observes the air and sky, showing how uninterested he is in the people in his life. He pays little attention to his mother's funeral. Signup and view all the answers

How would you characterize Meursault's narration in the first two chapters?

Meursault frequently uses a matter-of-fact tone and does not seem to care about what he's talking about. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Meursault's Relationship with His Boss

Meursault has a strained relationship with his boss, lacking genuine rapport.
His boss feels disappointed as he anticipated enthusiasm from Meursault regarding a promotion in Paris.
He perceives Meursault primarily as a business figure rather than a personal connection.

Meursault and Marie Cardona

Meursault shares a physical closeness with Marie, resting his head on her and enjoying moments together.
Their day consists of swimming, flirting, and later, Meursault invites her to watch a movie.
He discloses to Marie that his mother has passed away, revealing a casual handling of personal loss.

Appropriateness of Activities Post-Funeral

Meursault's actions following his mother's funeral appear inappropriate to societal norms; he prioritizes leisure over mourning.
While he spends time with Marie and watches a film, he displays indifference to the typical grieving process.
His behavior underlines his emotional detachment and lack of conventional feelings for significant events.

Meursault's Existence in His Apartment

His daily routine in his apartment consists of coffee, smoking, and television, highlighting a mundane lifestyle.
Movement is limited, indicating a lack of ambition or interest to engage with the outside world.

Observations of Nature from the Balcony

Meursault's observations from the balcony, focused on the air and sky, showcase a profound disinterest in human relationships.
His detailed descriptions of nature contrast with his apathetic response to his mother’s funeral, signifying his emotional disconnect.
He acknowledges that physical needs often overshadow his feelings, reflecting on his inherent nature.

Characterization of Meursault's Narration

Meursault's narration is characterized by a matter-of-fact tone, suggesting a lack of emotional engagement.
He tends to emphasize his surroundings rather than interpersonal relationships, reinforcing his isolative perspective on life.

Description

Explore key questions and answers from Chapter 2 of 'The Stranger' by Albert Camus. This quiz covers Meursault's relationships, particularly with his boss and Marie Cardona, providing insight into his character. Test your understanding of the chapter's themes and dynamics.