The Outsider Main Text
The Outsiders
S. E. HINTON
Chapter 1
WHEN I STEPPED OUT into the bright sunlight from the darkness of the movie house, I had only two
things on my mind: Paul Newman and a ride home. I was wishing I looked like Paul Newman--- he looks
tough and I don't--- but I guess my own looks aren't so bad. I have light-brown, almost-red hair and
greenish-gray eyes. I wish they were more gray, because I hate mo...
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The Outsider Theme
Themes
Alienation and Isolation: Meursault is separated from society. He shows no grief even at his mother’s death, which shocks everyone. Though Marie Cardona loves him, his indifference weakens their relationship. Even with neighbor Raymond Sintès, his friendship lacks depth. In court, he is judged not only for murder but also for his emotional detachment. People do not understand him. His calm...
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The Outsider Quotations
Quotes
“It was because of the sun.” – (The Outsider, Meursault, Part I)
Explanation (English): Meursault explains why he shot the Arab. The sun’s heat and glare blinded him. This reason shocks the court. It shows his detachment and the absurdity of life.
“Mother died today. Or, maybe, yesterday; I can’t be sure.” – (The Outsider, Opening line, Meursault, Part I)
Explanation (English): The nove...
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The Outsider Summary
Background
Albert Camus wrote The Outsider (L’Étranger) in 1940–41, and it was first published in France in 1942. The inspiration for this work came from Camus’s philosophy of Absurdism. He believed that the world is meaningless, yet humans constantly seek meaning. Camus’s Algerian life experiences, the realities of colonialism, and the hypocrisy of French society are reflected in this novel. The...
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The Outsider Character
Major Characters
Meursault: The protagonist and narrator of the novel. An ordinary office clerk, he is emotionally detached and viewed by society as isolated. He shows no grief at his mother’s death. On the beach, he kills an Arab youth. At the trial, his indifference weighs more heavily than his crime. His character symbolizes Camus’s philosophy of the “Absurd.”
Marie Cardona: Meursault’s love...
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The Outsider Literary Device
Figures of Speech
Irony: Definition: Irony occurs when there is a gap between what is expected and what actually happens. Example: Although Meursault is tried for murder, the court gives more importance to his indifference at his mother’s funeral. Not the murder, but not crying becomes the greater crime. Effect: Irony shows that society values emotions more than the crime itself. Metaphor: Defini...
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Notes (16)
- Write a Short Note on Meursault's Realization of the Absurdity of Life.
- Write in Brief About Meursault's Trial
- Discuss the European–Arab relation in Camus' novel “The Outsider/ The Stranger”
- What Message do you Get From “The Outsider?”
- What conflict do you notice in the relationship between Meursault and Marie?
- What does the sun symbolize in “The Outsider?”
- Discuss Camus’ symbolic use of light as you find in his novel.
- Discuss the character of Meursault in “The Outsider”.
- Describe the significance of the title “The Outsider.”
- Comment on the trial scenes of The Outsider.
- How does Camus make his readers retain sympathy for Meursault despite his crime and lack of repentance?
- What is Meursault's idea of an afterlife in “The Outsider”?
- What are the themes and motifs in“The Outsider” by Albert Camus?
- Write an essay on Albert Camus’ treatment of alienation in “The Outsider.”
- Discuss Meursault's view of society in the novel The Outsider.
- Do you think that the title of The Outsider is justified?