The Stranger

Use these links to supplement and complement students’ reading of the work and to increase their overall enjoyment of literature. Challenge them to discern parallel themes, engage through visual and aural stimuli, and delve deeper into the thematic possibilities presented by the title.

Recommended Texts for Pairing

"The Meursault Investigation" by Kamal Daoud

• a short contemporary novel that retells The Stranger from an Algerian perspective
• compare and contrast with Camus’ treatment of The Consequences of French Colonialism in Algeria; consider how the shift in perspective impacts theme

“The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka

• a classic short story that explores Existentialism and Absurdism
• compare and contrast with Camus’ presentation of these philosophies

“Bohemian Rhapsody” by Freddie Mercury

• lyrics to a classic rock ballad that offers the perspective of a young man who has accidentally killed someone and is facing the consequences
• trace the parallels in the stories; compare and contrast the speaker’s point of view with Meursault’s; explore how language use impacts tone and mood

Other Student Resources

Camus reading the opening of The Stranger

• an audio file of Camus reading the opening of the novel in the original French
• Although the language may not be familiar, this clip offers insight into Camus’ intended tone.