Final Thoughts:
I would like to start out by saying that I really enjoyed this book. I think that Camus is a skilled and intelligent writer, and his writing style is something that one does not often see in literature, aside from Hemingway. The existentialist/absurdist elements of the book were something that I enjoyed as well. I have always been quite interested in philosophy, and Camus presents an interesting and intelligent approach to this. I think that The Stranger has not only ample literary value, but also philosophical and cultural values weaved into the book. Out of all the books that I have read for this class, including three of the four dystopian novels, The Stranger has become my favorite hands down, and I would say that it is now one of all time favorites. I enjoyed the book initially, but my limited knowledge of existentialism and general analysis of the book deprived me of it's true merit. Upon reading it the second time, I found that it was much greater than I had originally found it to be. I believe that The Stranger has rightfully achieved its place in Tigard's IB English Program, as well as its place in regular senior english. This book exposed me to a great author, and I thoroughly look forward to reading more by Camus.
Thesis:
In Albert Camus' The Stranger, through the use of contrast between Mersault's short, declarative sentences and the levity and complexity of Mersault's crime and trial, Camus demonstrates a critical view of the justice system and its religious influences, suggesting that society uses religious morals as its ultimate guiding system.
Map:
This can be seen during Mersault's conversation with the magistrate, Mersault's trial, and his final conversation with the chaplain preceding his execution.
Love the contrast you are setting up. That said, the jump from the contrast to "critical view of the justice system" is too big of a leap - it needs to be explained in the thesis and then proven in the paper. And then the leap to critical view to religious influences seems unconnected. Good concepts here - just tighten the thought process up.
ReplyDeleteHow about this: In Albert Camus' The Stranger, through the use of contrast between Mersault's short, declarative sentences and the long, religious and emotional sentences provided by the magistrate, the prosecutor, and the chaplain; Camus demonstrates a critical view of the justice system and it's religious influences, suggesting that society uses religious morals as its ultimate guiding system.
ReplyDeletePretty long, revision will be necessary, but is the gap tightened?
^should I talk directly about Mersault's trial in my thesis? I think that would bridge the gap more but it feels like my thesis is getting wordier and wordier.
ReplyDelete