Some Guided Questions for the Reading

Hello. I hope you are all enjoying your break so far. Here is a brief thought and a few questions to consider while reading.

First, let me address the concerns that have been expressed by some of the members of our class. I do appreciate the fact that this is a lot of work and many of you are in need of a vacation. While planning this break work, I tried to find a book and  an assignment that could be completed within the two week time period. Please keep in mind that as an AP teacher there is a tremendous amount of pressure to get through an extensive variety of literary works. In order to accomplish this lofty goal, I must use every opportunity to introduce new novels and to take advantage of the breaks afforded by the school system. To make things easier, I will eliminate the need to answer questions. You can use them as a guide. The vocabulary should not take more than two hours. The passage is written for you; you just need to type it. The essay is a short 4 paragraph AP style task. It should not take too long, and you need not spend days writing it. The reading is the biggest time commitment, and even that can be accomplished in the time off with 10 pages dedicated per night. The writing assignments are likely less intense than they appear, and can be completed with minimal effort. In short, do your best. I am a reasonable person. This is, after all, an extra assignment. If it is too much, I will take your word for it. Do not stress over it. Have fun. Read the book. Write the paper. 

Some questions:

1. After being placed in a nursing home, why does Meursault visit his mother so infrequently?

2. What is the value of Madam Meursault desiring a religious burial?

3. Does Meursault give an explanation for wanting/not wanting to see the open casket? What is significant about this?

4. What is important about Meursault's last thoughts at the Burial?

5. What is important about the vigil?

6. What does Meursault do on Sunday's? What does this say about him?

7. What does Meursault mean when he says, "It occurred to me ... nothing had changed."?

More to follow. Post any other comments if necessary.