The Trial
Who was the person on trial in Part II?
Meursault
Where did Part II take place?
In the courtroom and jail.
What theme(s) are explored in the book?
Absurdism and existentialism.
Who says, "It was because of the sun?"
Meursault
What was the crime the defendant was accused of committing?
Murder.
What does the prosecutor claim Meursault's lack of emotion proves?
That he is soulless/cold blooded killer.
What major philosophical idea does Meursault embrace by the end?
Absurdism/existentialism
Why is Meursault called "a stranger?"
He does not act like other people expect him to.
Who does Meursault get into a shouting fight with near the end?
The Priest.
What was the unusual evidence that the prosecutor focuses on?
Meursault's behavior at his mom's funeral.
How does Marie react during the trial?
She cries and says she still loves him, but her testimony is used against him.
How does Meursault find peace at the end of the novel?
He is accepting of his fate.
What does the sun represent?
Oppressive and overstimulating nature, uncontrollable
“I opened myself to the gentle indifference of the ___.”
the world
Why does the courtroom laugh during the trial?
Because Meursault says he killed the Arab man "because of the sun."
What does the priest do at the end of the novel?
He urges Meursault to repent before his execution.
What does the trial symbolize in terms of society's expectations?
Society's need to control or punish those who reject moral and social norms.
What does the courtroom symbolize?
Society's judgement and moral expectations.
What emotion does Meursault show at the end of the book?
Acceptance/fearless
What is the final verdict and sentence of the trial?
Guilty and sentenced to death.
How does Meursault's attitude toward society change by the end of the novel?
He rejects society's expectations and embraces the absurdity of existence.
How does Meursault's rejection of religion reinforce the theme of absurdism?
It shows his acceptance of a meaningless universe rather than seeking comfort in false hope. He accepts his fate instead of pretending to be religious.
How is the sea symbolic in Meursault's life?
It represents freedom, physical pleasure
What does Meursault realize about death?
Everyone dies, so it's better to live honestly.