Taylor Smith Mrs. Fowler IB Language Arts 17 May, 2016 The Stranger: The Epiphany The Stranger is a novel written by Albert Camus and was published in 1942. It follows the story of Meursault, an indifferent French Algerian, and his actions leading to his eventual death. Camus, a French philosopher, author, and journalist most notably renowned for his philosophy of absurdism, distributes a recurring theme of existentialism and absurdism throughout the novel, and heavily does so in passages that serve the most significance to the story. One of the most important passages within the novel is when Meursault repeatedly defies the chaplain in the cell. It serves as a pinnacle for the entire story, and grants readers a look into the main characters state of mind. In this passage, Meursault comes to a dramatic realization of who he is through an existential epiphany, and with thorough analysis the overall significance of the passage to the story is revealed. In the passage the chaplain visits Meursault much to Meursault’s displeasure. He asks Meursault why he did not want to see him, and Meursault then solidifies his denial of the existence of God. This doesn’t deter the chaplain …show more content…
Even though Meursault makes it perfectly clear that he does not believe in God, does not need help, and does have time to waste on him the chaplain still engages with him. He insists on Meursault giving some faith and repenting his sins, but Meursault’s defiance remains solid. He even calls the chaplain “monsieur”, explaining that he is not and never will be his father. Meursault’s resistance and refusal are almost a sort of ‘opposite reflection’ to the chaplain’s notions. Every time he proposes a religious idea, Meursault is quick to retort with a worldly alternative. It’s almost as if he’s replacing the chaplain faith just like he replaced his title of “father” with
The practice of Catholicism is a doctrine and practice which are generally regarded as Catholic rather than Protestant or Eastern Orthodox. He saw that the Dominican Order of Preachers were able to roam free through the prison, as long as they were spreading their religious messages. Noble’s saw this as a way to get out of his cell and roam free with other prisoners. So, Nobles decided to join the Dominican Order of Preachers. However, it takes years to become one; and he had so little time left.
Since entering office, President Donald Trump has taken a hostile stance towards Iran, and now threatens to end the era of rapprochement that prevailed during the Obama Administration. This would be a significant mistake that would bode ill for both the United States and Iran. While detractors of President Obama’s policy towards Iran argue that it strengthens the oppressive regime of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, the opposite is actually true. Friendly relations between the United States and Iran undermine the fear mongering rhetoric of Khamenei and his hardliner allies and strengthen the arguments of the reformist coalition in Iran. The success of this more moderate faction of Iranians serves United States’ interests in that it eliminates an
When the bubonic Plague strikes the town, many characters exhibit the resort to their faith as a means of surviving. By attending a Catholic school, this allows myself to practice my faith; however, when faced with adversities in life, in no means would I think to turn to God to help me through it. For the past sixteen years, this way of self-living has been reasonable, so when I read “God has the power to keep you safe in peril,” (Pg. 62), said by Mr Mompellion, my thoughts and feelings were challenged. I form an opinion and question the character’s behaviour. To put all your faith, into the unknowable God, just to wait for him, is a motive that I am not crazy about.
The journalist argues that even though the entire society wasn’t satisfied by his religious ruling, people should still appreciate the peace and resources that he provided to the needy people. With so much knowledge about Christianity and being devoted, Jacob provides a strong perspective about Charles’ religious life because he is very religious himself as he explains praying to the Holy Rosary has made him appreciate the kind acts that Charles has shown as the Count of Flanders. Moreover, White provides a lot of evidences by using quotes in the Holy Rosary that supports why Charles refers to Holy Scriptures while ruling Flanders. Throughout this article, I found White’s analysis of Count Charles’ religious life really useful because he provides good examples of why religion has made a big impact to governing a society and how religion can change people’s perspective into believing certain
Through the use of diction, Meursault perceives life is meaningless, which leads him to have the absence of strong bonding with acquaintance around him. He indicates that he lacks empathy from personal and social level. Meursault is a simple man who lives his life in a stickler type and changes annoy him. As the novel introduces Meursault mother being dead, he shows lack of concern and a burden to visit his mother for the last time. “Maman died today...
Atheism is just another form of religion seeking answers to the meaning of life, death and whether or not life exists beyond the grave. This was evident in the words, “Man is nothing but that which he makes of himself”. While he believed that physical death is the complete and final end of life, the chaplain held on the religious teachings of life after death. Meursault was more focussed on himself and his environment more so than he was on society and human emotions Again, this reinforced his beliefs that life is just a fleeting moment and no regard is needed to focus on the meaning of death. In the courthouse, the crucifix that was waved at him also opposed his view of absurdity of human life and had him publicly denouncing Christianity through his word, "Then God can help you," he said.
As she heavily pondered, she noted, “…while I knew I could remember, if I chose, the essential beliefs of every other ‘ism’ I had studied or tried to live by, I could not remember the most important thing about the religion I myself had invented: I could not remember whether the God of that faith was supposed to be personally interested in his creatures.” Unable at first to find an answer within herself, she collapsed in tears, and then prayed the only prayer she knew by heart, the “Our Father.” After praying, she continued to wander the room and noticed an unopened letter from a Jesuit priest named Father Edward Wiatrak lying on her
Meursault’s apathy for his mother’s death, isolation and indifference to others, and disregard for interpersonal relationships negatively impact his trial and eventually bring his demise. His character traits make him into a cold, heartless man, which serves as the basis for the prosecutor’s argument during the trial. Meursault is repeatedly condemned for showing no emotion and feeling no remorse, both for the death of this mother and killing someone. His detached attitude leads him to make little effort to defend himself in the court. His neglect of relationships with his mother provides testament for the prosecution that he is a monster.
The social convention to accept religion becomes a determining factor in Meursault’s case. David Carroll’s article, “Failure of the Word: Guilt by ‘Race:’ Injustice in Camus’s The Stranger,” suggests that when Meursault rejects Christianity, he is really rejecting his “French identity” and “closing off the possibility of being assimilated (back) into French society” (1). Furthermore, if Meursault had lied and accepted religion, he would have been found not guilty, even though he confesses to murder. Society teaches us to be honest and not lie, but when Meursault tells the truth society turns on him.
Meslier’s Testament: Memoir the Thoughts and Sentiments of Jean Meslier surpasses all previous attempts at disrupting European stability. The manuscript, written with intense rage, contains Meslier’s examination of the injustice around him. In Testament, Meslier completely abolishes the existence of God, attacks religious practices, discredits political leaders, and calls for a reform. It is not an overstatement to say that Meslier’s thoughts will be the starting points of many revolutions to come. If appropriate measures are not taken, the manuscript may even spread the practice of atheism.
This fight leads to Meursault going to a murder trial because he shoots one of the Arabs four times and kills him. Meursault shows importance of the physical world when he is at Maman’s funeral, while in a fight with the Arabs and when he is at his murder trial. Meaursault connects more to the physical world rather than to the
Montfort, the parish missionary; 2. Montfort’s overarching theology; 3. Montfort’s sanctity. II. The Nature of Sin: 1.
Or maybe yesterday, I don’t know.” Like a vulture, I ravenously tore through the story, trying to understand the motives behind Meursault’s actions and appreciating his desire for true genuity, unlike that of the hypocritical and narrow-minded society he lived in. After reflecting on the themes and values of this story, I realized that this French book had greatly enhanced my perspective on the world and taught me a new meaning to life.
‘“The Priest said, “I’ll pray for you,” and waved Mestizo’s hand; the Priest bore no grudge because he expected nothing else of anything human”’ (Greene 197-198). In the last part, the author gave the readers an interesting point that is the Priest’s humanity. Through three part of the Priest’s treatment at the Mestizo, the readers will have an accurate view about the
The infamous court scene where the main character Meursault, attacks the magistrate out of frustration is relatable in my case. With the hyper religious and seemingly ridiculous nature of the courtroom, Meursault’s reaction is almost appropriate. When reading the text, I imagined what it would be like to have a lifestyle literally forced upon me as if I were satan himself and realized, if it were me, I’d have done the same thing. Another aspect of Meursault I admired was his respect for others’ faith regardless if their attitudes towards his. For example, when the magistrates says to him, "Every man I have known in your position has turned to Him."