The Stranger Part II - Chapter 4 1. What does the prosecutor ask to be the punishment of Meursault? What does this show? Think deeply about the entire process / history / implication / reasoning behind that specific punishment. What does that show? He even claims that he would ask for this punishment with a "heart at ease." Why is that word choice important?
2. What does Meursault really seem to be blamed for? Is it truly the murder of the one man that is angering everyone so much? Explain your answer.
3. Do you think Meursault told his lawyer about the fact that Raymond was cut in a previous fight? That the gun belonged to Raymond? That he took the gun from Raymond because he mentioned that maybe he should just "let the guy have it"? Why are all of these important questions seemingly out of the picture? Wouldn't it change the entire story / situation? What does this show about Meursault? What does this show about Camus?
4. Give at least 3 different points in the trial process that Meursault made matters worse for himself.
5. Before finding out if he is going to be judged innocent or guilty, Meursault asks his lawyer if he could overturn the verdict if it was unfavorable. What was the lawyer's response? What does the fact that Meursault asks this question suggest?
6. Meursault is brought back into the courtroom only when they pass the sentence. He walks in and notices that people don't seem to be making eye contact with him. He doesn't make eye contact with Marie. What is important about the minute details that Camus mentions here? 7. What is the verdict? What is Meursault's sentence? What is his reaction? Consider the fact that the judge asks him if there is anything he wants to say. What is his response?​