The Stranger - Day 3 - Relationships

In group today you started by sharing personal stories of a random person in your life - maybe someone you see in your neighborhood or who works at a store - someone you see on a somewhat regular basis but don't really "know."

Then we shifted to a look at chapter 3, especially the characters Salamano and Raymond Sintes. After a short discussion of your observations about them, you wrote an original 6-line dialogue capturing the essence of the relationship that character has with Meursault.

Next, I read chapter 4 out loud. After a short conversation about the events in that chapter you discussed these questions:

• How does Meursault experience life?
• What similarities are there between Meursault and Raymond / Salamano?

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Here is a link to the most recent information about this challenging story.

The Stranger - Day 2 - Rules of Notice

In groups today you started by telling a story - one word at a time - so each person contributed equally to your story. Hopefully that will continue with the rest of your work in your group!

Next I gave you this handout - "Rules of Notice"  - from Peter Rabinowitz.  It lists the details you usually notice during your reading of a book, but is calling attention to that process. Your group will work through the list and perhaps even notice more than you did the first time through.  You will then collect all of your observations onto a poster.

Then, you will use those observations to discuss these questions:

1. What does this chapter suggest about Meursault’s relationship with Marie? What do they mean to each other? What does he think about the way he acts with her?
2. What role does time play for Meursault?
3. Is Meursault a lonely or empty character? In what ways?
4. Look at the last line of chapter two, then think about how chapter one began – how has your thinking of his developed over these two chapters? What sentiment is he expressing in these closing words?

The Stranger - Day 1

Today we started our work with Albert Camus's The Stranger.  You will be working in these groups during this brief unit.  I had you introduce yourselves to each other by having you find five things you have in common.

1st:

1	2	3	4	5
Angelina Sydney Robyn Zach Ben	Kat Brooke Evan Bobby Mia	Ariela Lizzy Jacob L John Alex	Sarah Joanna Mitchell Jacob M Yael	Sabrina Paige Taylor Kevin Graham

6th:

1	2	3	4	5
Leta Sofie Will David Johnny	Jorie Claire Jack F Matt V Justin	Julia AnneMarie Kevin Jonah TJ	Bailey Shayna Dylan Jamie Matt P	Alec Rose Ethan Jack L Herbie

7th:

1	2	3	4	5
Jamie C Hope Jamie H Sam Zach	Penelope Becky Dana Parker Michael K	Alexis Hannah Jason Marc Elias	Suzie Rachel Sarah Patrick Andrew	Leah Isabel Brandon Michael M Elliot

I read chapter 1 out loud and then asked you to keep track of these things:

• Initial observations about Meursault
• Initial observations about other characters
• Initial observations about the setting

The Myth of Sisyphus

Today in class we'll read and discuss Camus's essay "The Myth of Sisyphus" as our introduction to the author and his ideas.

Here is a link to the essay
Here is a link to the glossary and discussion questions

Although there is no specific homework for the weekend, you may want to get started reading the novel.  Here are links to the calendars:

• The Stranger - 1st period
• The Stranger - 6th period
• The Stranger - 7th period

Our next book - The Stranger

While you are busy completing your essay for Life of Pi, please do make time to purchase a copy of our next book - The Stranger by Albert Camus.  You will need a copy of it for Thursday / Friday.