The Stranger Lesson Plan

How does Meursault’s relationship with people—especially with Marie—contrast to the relationship between Salamano and his dog? To the relationship between Sintés and his ‘girl’? Is an abusive, or love-hate, relationship better than a cold, unfeeling and indifferent, emotionally remote relationship? Why or why not?

Meursault’s relationship with people is not overtly, physically cruel, but has a form of cruelty in its indifference and lack of commitment. Students should discuss their ideas about the relative value of love-hate relationships vs. emotionally barren and indifferent relationships. Meursault is indifferent to what happens between Salamano and his dog. Meursault...