Reading The Stranger by the lovely Albert Camus.
Just need help understanding this question:
-After I listed some themes I explored, my teacher asks:
"Given the themes you listed, are any conventions questioned based on the treatment of a given theme? Describe how one or more conventions are put into question.
I just need help understanding the question, not looking for answers, Thanks~
Conventions are the given norms in a society or culture. You get a broader definition of that term here: http://www.answers.com. Keep scrolling down to read entries from many different dictionaries.
One convention in American culture before the 1960s was that families stayed together as a unit. I know that's a generalization, but it was reflected in the 1940 census all over the country.
What can you think of in Camus's society or culture that he seems to be trying to "shoot down" in this work?
Sure! Let's break down the question step by step to better understand it and how to approach answering it:
1. "Given the themes you listed": This refers to the themes you have already explored in your reading of The Stranger. It implies that you have previously identified and examined certain themes in the book.
2. "Are any conventions questioned based on the treatment of a given theme?": Here, the term "conventions" refers to established norms, expectations, or traditions in literature or society. The question is asking whether any of these conventions are challenged or called into question in relation to a particular theme in the book.
3. "Describe how one or more conventions are put into question": This part of the question requires you to explain the specific ways in which the conventions are challenged. To answer this, you will need to analyze the treatment of the theme(s) you previously identified and identify instances or examples that challenge or subvert the established conventions.
To fully answer the question, you should:
1. Review the themes you have explored in The Stranger. It might be helpful to mentally or physically make a list of these themes.
2. Identify the conventions related to the themes. What are the typical or expected ways that these themes are presented or portrayed in literature or society?
3. Analyze the treatment of each theme in the book and look for instances that deviate from or challenge these conventions. How does the author, Albert Camus, present the theme(s) in a way that contradicts or subverts the established norms or expectations?
4. Provide specific examples or evidence from the book to support your analysis. Quote relevant passages or describe scenes that illustrate how the conventions are questioned.
By following these steps, you should be able to provide a thoughtful response that addresses the question and demonstrates your understanding of the themes and treatment in The Stranger.