Estimated Reading Time: 46 min
Before you begin the quiz, ensure you have a complete comprehension of the summary of The Outsider by Albert Camus.
The Outsider MCQs
Part One
Chapter 1
1. Where is the old people’s home where Meursault’s mother died located?
A. Paris
B. Céleste’s restaurant
C. Marengo
D. Algiers
2. How did Meursault learn of his mother’s death?
A. A telegram
B. A letter
C. A phone call
D. A visit from the director
3. What was Meursault’s boss’s initial reaction to his request for two days off for the funeral?
A. He couldn’t say no but didn’t seem happy.
B. He immediately granted the request with condolences.
C. He was very sympathetic.
D. He refused to give him time off.
4. Who did Meursault borrow a black tie and armband from?
A. Emmanuel
B. Céleste
C. Raymond
D. The caretaker
5. What did the director of the old people’s home tell Meursault about his mother’s financial support?
A. That Meursault hadn’t supported her at all.
B. That the home covered all her expenses.
C. That Mama had her own pension.
D. That Meursault was the only one who could support her financially.
6. According to the director, why was Mama happier at the old people’s home?
A. She enjoyed the solitude.
B. She had better food there.
C. Meursault visited her too often.
D. She had friends of her own age and could share past interests.
7. Where was Mama’s body placed to avoid upsetting other residents?
A. In her former room.
B. In a little mortuary.
C. In the main hall.
D. In the dining hall.
8. What did the director arrange for Mama’s burial without consulting Meursault?
A. A cremation.
B. A non-religious burial.
C. A religious burial.
D. A burial at sea.
9. What was Meursault’s reaction when the caretaker offered to open the coffin lid for him to see his mother?
A. He asked the caretaker to do it later.
B. He said no.
C. He immediately said yes.
D. He hesitated but eventually agreed.
10. What disease did the Arab nurse have, which was indicated by a bandage on her face?
A. Leprosy
B. Smallpox
C. Tuberculosis
D. Malaria
11. How did the caretaker describe his relationship with the residents of the old people’s home?
A. He saw himself as their leader.
B. He distinguished himself from “them” and “the others” despite being the same age as some.
C. He treated them as his equals.
D. He considered himself one of them.
12. What did Meursault do at the wake that caused some indignation in court later?
A. He fell asleep and snored loudly.
B. He argued with the director.
C. He drank coffee and smoked a cigarette.
D. He refused to eat any food.
13. What was Meursault’s initial, “ridiculous feeling” when Mama’s friends sat down at the wake?
A. That they were there to judge him.
B. That they were not real.
C. That they were happy his mother had died.
D. That they were there to console him.
14. What particular physical characteristic did Meursault notice about the old women’s appearance at the wake?
A. Their elaborate hairstyles.
B. Their round stomachs due to tightly tied aprons.
C. Their thin, bony hands.
D. Their bright, curious eyes.
15. What sound did Meursault eventually identify as coming from some of the old people during the wake’s silence?
A. Cheeks being sucked in, making clicking noises.
B. Deep sighs.
C. Soft weeping.
D. Mumbling prayers.
16. Who was the old friend of Mama’s granted permission to walk behind the funeral cortège?
A. Emmanuel
B. Thomas Pérez
C. Céleste
D. Salamano
17. What observation did Meursault make about the sun and the landscape during the funeral procession?
A. The sun made the landscape beautiful.
B. It was cloudy and overcast.
C. The sun blazing down..
D. The sun was gentle and cool.
18. What caused the tar on the road to blister and stick during the procession?
A. Poor road construction.
B. Heavy rain.
C. Constant traffic.
D. The sun’s intense heat.
19. What was Meursault’s final feeling when the bus pulled into Algiers after the funeral?
A. Anger at the day’s events.
B. A sense of relief and joy at being able to sleep.
C. Overwhelming sadness.
D. Confusion about what had happened.
20. Which physical sensation bothered Meursault the most during the funeral procession?
A. The cold wind.
B. Thirst.
C. The heat and sun stinging his eyes.
D. Hunger.
Chapter 2
21. Why did Meursault’s boss likely dislike giving him two days off?
A. It meant Meursault would have four days off including the weekend.
B. Meursault was a poor worker.
C. His mother’s death was inconvenient.
D. The boss needed him for an urgent project.
22. Who did Meursault meet at the public swimming pool?
A. His boss.
B. Céleste.
C. Raymond Sintès.
D. Marie Cardona.
23. How did Marie react when Meursault told her his mother had died?
A. She flinched a little but didn’t say anything.
B. She offered her condolences profusely.
C. She cried immediately.
D. She asked many questions about the funeral.
24. What type of film did Marie want to see on their first date?
A. A drama.
B. A thriller.
C. A documentary.
D. A Fernandel film.
25. What did Meursault find annoying about Sundays?
A. He often felt bored.
B. Marie always left early.
C. He had to work.
D. Céleste’s restaurant was closed.
26. What unusual thing did Meursault do with an old newspaper after lunch?
A. He threw it away immediately.
B. He cut out an ad for Kruschen Salts and glued it into a notebook.
C. He used it to wrap his lunch.
D. He wrote a letter to the editor.
27. From his balcony, what did Meursault observe about the distinguished-looking man he saw?
A. He was always alone.
B. He looked very unhappy.
C. He wore a boater and a bow tie and carried a walking stick.
D. He always carried a book.
28. What indicated to Meursault that the street had become truly deserted on a Sunday afternoon?
A. The street lamps came on early.
B. There was no one on the streets at all.
C. All the shops were closed.
D. Only shopkeepers and a few cats were left, and trams were almost empty.
29. What physical discomfort did Meursault feel at the end of the day, causing him to close the windows?
A. Hunger.
B. Eye strain.
C. Headache.
D. Cold and neck pain.
30. What was Meursault’s concluding thought at the end of this Sunday?
A. He needed to find a new apartment.
B. Mama was dead and buried, and nothing had really changed.
C. He was looking forward to the next Sunday.
D. He regretted not having done more.
Chapter 3
31. What specific activity did Meursault enjoy at lunchtime that involved Emmanuel?
A. Watching cargo ships.
B. Eating at Céleste’s.
C. Playing billiards.
D. Running to catch a truck.
32. How long had Salamano had his dog?
A. Two years.
B. Five years.
C. Eight years.
D. Ten years.
33. What was the physical condition of Salamano’s dog?
A. It had a skin disease (mange) and reddish patches.
B. It was a stray that Salamano had recently adopted.
C. It was very old but well-groomed.
D. It was healthy and playful.
34. How did Raymond Sintès introduce his profession?
A. He was a boxer.
B. He was a restaurant owner.
C. He worked in a “warehouse.”
D. He was a sailor.
35. What was Meursault’s response when Raymond asked if he found the way he treated his dog disgusting?
A. He said he didn’t care.
B. He said no.
C. He didn’t reply.
D. He said yes.
36. Why did Raymond have a bandage on his hand when Meursault visited him?
A. He had a chronic skin condition.
B. He had been in a fight.
C. He had cut himself cooking.
D. He had an accident at work.
37. What was Meursault’s reaction when Raymond asked him to be his friend?
A. He said he didn’t mind.
B. He was surprised and unsure.
C. He eagerly accepted.
D. He politely declined.
38. What was Raymond’s main complaint about his mistress that led to him beating her?
A. She was spending too much money.
B. She didn’t clean the apartment.
C. She was cheating on him.
D. She refused to marry him.
39. What was Raymond’s initial plan for further punishing his mistress after the beating?
A. Write her a letter that would make her sorry.
B. Get his friends to talk to her.
C. Brand her.
D. Take her to a hotel and call the Vice Squad.
40. What was Meursault’s contribution to Raymond’s plan for his mistress?
A. He agreed to write a letter for Raymond.
B. He offered to talk to her.
C. He suggested another method of punishment.
D. He refused to get involved.
41. What did Raymond mean when he told Meursault, “Now, we’re really pals”?
A. He wanted Meursault to work for him.
B. He was simply being sarcastic.
C. He considered Meursault a close friend after Meursault wrote the letter.
D. He was trying to manipulate Meursault.
42. What sound did Meursault hear from Salamano’s room after he returned home?
A. Laughter.
B. The dog barking loudly.
C. Silence.
D. The dog whimpering softly.
Chapter 4
43. What made Meursault want to sleep with Marie on the Saturday they went to the beach?
A. Her sad demeanor.
B. The fact that she had just arrived.
C. The cool evening air.
D. Her pretty dress with red and white stripes and leather sandals.
44. When Marie asked Meursault if he loved her, what was his response?
A. He said he would think about it.
B. He said he didn’t think so, and that it didn’t mean anything.
C. He said yes, very much.
D. He avoided the question.
45. What was Meursault’s reaction when Marie asked him to get a policeman during Raymond’s fight?
A. He told her to get one herself.
B. He said he didn’t like the police.
C. He immediately went to get one.
D. He said he was too scared.
46. How did the policeman react when Raymond took another drag of his cigarette while talking to him?
A. He ignored it.
B. He slapped Raymond across the face.
C. He took the cigarette from him.
D. He calmly asked him to put it out.
47. What did Meursault agree to do for Raymond regarding the fight with his mistress?
A. Offer financial support.
B. Be a witness for him, saying the girl had cheated.
C. Help him apologize to the girl.
D. Find the girl and bring her back.
48. What was Salamano’s state when he realized his dog was missing?
A. Calm and resigned.
B. Angry at Meursault.
C. Upset, looking everywhere and mumbling.
D. Indifferent.
49. What reason did Salamano give for his dog being hard to take in by others if lost?
A. It was too old.
B. It was bad-tempered.
C. Its scabs disgusted everyone.
D. It was too big.
50. What thought did Meursault have about Mama when he heard Salamano crying over his lost dog?
A. He thought Mama would have been angry.
B. He thought Mama would have understood his grief.
C. He realized he too should cry for Mama.
D. He simply thought of Mama, but didn’t know why.
Chapter 5
51. What opportunity did Meursault’s boss offer him during a meeting?
A. A job in Paris, potentially involving travel.
B. Early retirement.
C. A promotion in Algiers.
D. A raise in salary.
52. How did Meursault react to the prospect of changing his life by moving to Paris?
A. He asked for more time to consider it.
B. He said yes, but that he didn’t care one way or the other, and that all lives are the same.
C. He refused the offer outright.
D. He was excited and accepted immediately.
53. What was Meursault’s ambition when he was a student?
A. To become a journalist.
B. To get married.
C. To have a successful career.
D. To travel the world.
54. When Marie asked Meursault to marry her, what was his reply?
A. He said it was all the same to him and they could if she wanted to.
B. He said he needed more time to think.
C. He refused because he didn’t love her.
D. He enthusiastically agreed, expressing his love.
55. How did Meursault describe Paris to Marie?
A. Romantic and vibrant.
B. A place of great opportunity.
C. Beautiful and exciting.
D. Dirty, with pigeons, dark courtyards, and pale people.
56. What peculiar behavior did the “very strange little woman” at Céleste’s exhibit during her meal?
A. She meticulously calculated her bill and ticked off radio programmes.
B. She spoke loudly to herself throughout the meal.
C. She ordered very little food.
D. She ate extremely slowly.
57. What did Salamano reveal about his dog’s origin?
A. It was a gift from a neighbor.
B. He got it after his wife died, as a puppy he fed with a bottle.
C. He had found it as a stray.
D. He bought it from a breeder.
58. What was Salamano’s explanation for his dog’s real disease?
A. It was just a temporary illness.
B. It was old age.
C. The mange was incurable.
D. It was a result of his mistreatment.
59. What did Salamano tell Meursault about people’s opinion of him?
A. They admired his resilience.
B. They thought badly of him for putting his mother in a home.
C. They were indifferent to him.
D. They thought he was a good neighbor.
60. What did Meursault say was the natural reason for sending Mama to the home?
A. She wanted to be independent.
B. He didn’t love her anymore.
C. The home offered better medical care.
D. He didn’t earn enough to care for her, and she was bored.
Chapter 6
61. What did Meursault observe about Raymond’s appearance that he found “a little repulsive”?
A. His boater hat and very white skin under dark arm hair.
B. His whistling.
C. His short-sleeved white shirt.
D. His blue trousers.
62. What was the outcome of Meursault’s police statement regarding Raymond’s fight with his mistress?
A. Raymond was jailed.
B. Meursault’s statement was proven false.
C. Raymond’s mistress pressed charges.
D. Raymond received a warning.
63. What characteristic way did the group of Arabs at the tobacco shop watch Meursault, Raymond, and Marie?
A. They watched silently, “looking through us as if we were rocks or dead trees.”
B. They ignored them completely.
C. They openly threatened them.
D. They were laughing and jeering.
64. What did Marie do to the dazzling white asphodels on the ridge leading to the beach?
A. She picked a bouquet of them.
B. She thought it was fun to scatter their petals with her beach bag.
C. She carefully avoided them.
D. She photographed them.
65. What did Masson, Raymond’s friend, have a habit of adding to the end of his sentences?
A. “You know.”
B. “Wouldn’t you agree?”
C. “Indeed.”
D. “And what’s more.”
66. What was Meursault’s feeling about his swimming experience with Marie?
A. He was annoyed by the salt water.
B. He was happy to be swimming and moving in harmony with her.
C. He found it tiring and boring.
D. He preferred to stay on the beach.
67. What did Masson say about eating lunch when everyone was surprised by the early time?
A. They should wait until later.
B. Marie had misread the time.
C. Eating early was natural because the time to eat is when you’re hungry.
D. They had too much wine.
68. What was the initial reaction of Raymond and Masson when they encountered the two Arabs on the beach?
A. They tried to talk to them calmly.
B. They called the police.
C. Raymond said, “It’s him,” and they continued walking at the same pace.
D. They immediately turned back.
69. What caused Raymond’s injury during the first confrontation with the Arabs?
A. He was punched by the Arab.
B. He was stabbed with a knife.
C. He cut himself on a rock.
D. He tripped and fell.
70. After the first fight, where did Meursault go alone while Raymond and Masson went to the doctor?
A. He went for a walk in the hills.
B. He stayed with the women at the house.
C. He went to the village to get help.
D. He followed Raymond to the beach.
71. What was the Arab doing at the spring when Meursault found him alone?
A. He was sleeping.
B. He was cleaning his knife.
C. He was blowing into a little flute, playing three notes.
D. He was fishing.
72. What was Meursault’s initial reaction when Raymond asked, “Should I kill him?” regarding the Arab?
A. He ran away in fear.
B. He said no, it wouldn’t be right to shoot him as he hadn’t said anything.
C. He encouraged Raymond to do it.
D. He took the gun from Raymond immediately.
73. What specific physical sensation overwhelmed Meursault just before he fired the first shot?
A. A sudden feeling of joy.
B. Intense hunger and thirst.
C. The burning sun crashing against his cheeks and forehead.
D. Extreme cold.
74. What did Meursault realize he had done after firing the first shot?
A. He had destroyed the natural balance of the day and the exceptional silence.
B. He had finally found peace.
C. He had made a grave mistake.
D. He had avenged Raymond.
75. How many additional shots did Meursault fire into the lifeless body of the Arab?
A. One.
B. Two.
C. Three.
D. Four.
Part Two
Chapter 1
76. What was Meursault’s initial view of the judge’s office and the interrogation process?
A. Like a game he’d read about in books.
B. Fair and just.
C. Confusing and incomprehensible.
D. Serious and intimidating.
77. What information had the prosecution obtained about Meursault’s private life?
A. His mother had recently died, and he showed no emotion at the funeral.
B. His affair with Marie.
C. His involvement with Raymond.
D. His financial struggles.
78. When asked if he was upset on the day of his mother’s funeral, what did Meursault say was a characteristic of his personality?
A. He was naturally stoic.
B. Physical sensations often got in the way of his emotions.
C. He often repressed his emotions.
D. He was too young to understand grief.
79. What did Meursault’s lawyer suggest he say in court about his emotions at the funeral?
A. That he was too sick to attend properly.
B. That he had kept his emotions under control.
C. That he had cried privately.
D. That he was overwhelmed with grief.
80. What did the examining judge brandish at Meursault during an interrogation, asking if he knew what it was?
A. A Bible.
B. A picture of Jesus.
C. A cross.
D. A silver crucifix.
81. What was Meursault’s response when the judge demanded he state whether he believed in God?
A. He said he was unsure.
B. He said yes.
C. He refused to answer.
D. He said no.
82. What did the judge claim about every other criminal he had encountered, in contrast to Meursault?
A. They always confessed immediately.
B. They always expressed remorse.
C. They always cried when faced with the symbol of suffering (the crucifix).
D. They always tried to bargain for their lives.
83. When asked if he regretted what he had done, what was Meursault’s reply?
A. He said he found it all rather tedious.
B. He claimed he had no choice.
C. He expressed deep remorse.
D. He said he was truly sorry.
84. What did the judge sometimes call Meursault in a friendly tone at the end of their meetings?
A. “The outsider.”
B. “Our little criminal.”
C. “My son.”
D. “Our Antichrist.”
Chapter 2
85. What did Meursault initially find most difficult about his imprisonment?
A. The poor food.
B. The noise from other prisoners.
C. Having the thoughts of a free man.
D. The loneliness.
86. According to Mama, what could people eventually get used to?
A. Hardship.
B. Loneliness.
C. Silence.
D. Anything.
87. What did the head guard say was the first thing everyone in prison complained about?
A. The boredom.
B. The desire to have a woman.
C. The lack of food.
D. The uncomfortable beds.
88. Why did the guard say they took away prisoners’ “freedom”?
A. Because that’s what freedom is (and the punishment is taking it away).
B. To teach them a lesson.
C. To punish them for their crimes.
D. To ensure their safety.
89. What did Meursault use to relieve his desire for cigarettes in the early days of prison?
A. He sucked on bits of wood from his bed.
B. He was given nicotine patches.
C. He found hidden cigarettes.
D. He chewed on his clothes.
90. How did Meursault eventually overcome boredom in prison?
A. By exercising.
B. By talking to other prisoners.
C. By learning how to remember and meticulously list items in his bedroom.
D. By writing letters.
91. What was the “story of the man from Czechoslovakia” about?
A. A soldier’s wartime experiences.
B. A man murdered by his mother and sister for money after returning home disguised.
C. A man who escaped prison.
D. A love story.
92. What words were the only ones that meant anything to Meursault in prison, regarding time?
A. “Morning” and “night.”
B. “Now” and “later.”
C. “Past” and “future.”
D. “Yesterday” and “tomorrow.”
93. What did Meursault realize about his reflection in the metal dish in his cell?
A. It was distorted by the light.
B. It remained grave even when he tried to smile.
C. It showed a clear sign of remorse.
D. It looked exactly like Marie.
94. What did Meursault finally recognize about himself for the first time in months while looking at his reflection?
A. His capacity for emotion.
B. His own voice, realizing he had been talking to himself.
C. His strong will.
D. His resemblance to his father.
Chapter 3
95. What other major case was scheduled immediately after Meursault’s at the Crown Court?
A. A fraud case.
B. A parricide.
C. A kidnapping.
D. A robbery.
96. What was Meursault’s initial impression of the jury members?
A. They looked bored.
B. They looked sympathetic.
C. They looked like anonymous passengers on a tram.
D. They looked like stern judges.
97. According to the journalist, why was there so much interest in Meursault’s case?
A. The victim was well-known.
B. Meursault was a famous person.
C. It was a slow season for newspapers.
D. It was a particularly gruesome crime.
98. What was the prosecutor’s appearance described as?
A. Tall and thin, dressed all in red, with a pince-nez.
B. Eldérly and kind-looking.
C. Short and chubby, with slicked-back hair.
D. Young and energetic.
99. Which witness for the defense characterized Meursault’s crime as “just one of those unfortunate things”?
A. Raymond.
B. Salamano.
C. Céleste.
D. Marie.
100. What was the prosecutor’s key accusation against Meursault during Marie’s testimony?
A. That he had manipulated Marie.
B. That he went swimming, started an affair, and saw a comedy just days after his mother’s death.
C. That he was violent towards women.
D. That he was a habitual liar.
101. What was the prosecutor’s main point when cross-examining Raymond about Meursault’s involvement?
A. That Meursault was a reluctant participant.
B. That coincidence had a lot to answer for in their “unlawful activities.”
C. That Raymond had forced Meursault to act.
D. That Meursault was unaware of Raymond’s intentions.
102. What did the prosecutor declare Meursault to be, referring to him as an accomplice to Raymond?
A. A naive fool.
B. A moral monster.
C. An unfortunate soul.
D. A confused individual.
103. What was the lawyer’s shouted objection to the prosecutor’s arguments about Meursault’s mother?
A. “This is irrelevant to the murder charge!”
B. “My client loved his mother deeply!”
C. “Is this man on trial for burying his mother or for killing a man?”
D. “The prosecutor is biased!”
104. According to the prosecutor, how was Meursault’s “moral murder” of his mother connected to the actual murder?
A. It was a separate, minor offense.
B. It paved the way for the second crime and, in some respects, even legitimized it.
C. It showed Meursault was mentally unstable.
D. It was an unfortunate coincidence.
Chapter 4
105. What did Meursault notice his lawyer doing during the summing up that he found surprising?
A. His lawyer was constantly interrupting the judge.
B. His lawyer kept saying “I” when he meant Meursault.
C. His lawyer was falling asleep.
D. His lawyer was laughing at the prosecutor.
106. What reason did Meursault give for his lawyer using “I” instead of referring to him directly?
A. He believed his lawyer was confused.
B. To distance Meursault from his case and take his place.
C. It was a common legal tactic.
D. To make the speech more personal.
107. What fundamental qualities did Meursault’s lawyer claim to have found in Meursault’s “soul”?
A. Guilt and remorse.
B. Ambition and cunning.
C. Honesty, responsibility, hard-working, loyalty, compassion.
D. Deceit and apathy.
108. What was Meursault’s final feeling during his lawyer’s summing up, making him desire it to be over?
A. Hope for acquittal.
B. A deep sense of gratitude.
C. Annoyance at the lawyer’s incompetence.
D. Suffocation from the pointlessness of his presence.
109. What did Meursault realize he hadn’t done throughout the entire trial?
A. Looked for Marie.
B. Listened to all the testimonies.
C. Looked at the jury.
D. Spoken in his own defense.
110. What was the verdict pronounced by the presiding judge?
A. Hard labor.
B. Head cut off in a public place in the name of the French People.
C. Acquittal.
D. Life imprisonment.
Chapter 5
111. What was Meursault’s primary concern after his sentence was pronounced?
A. How to avoid the guillotine and escape the inevitable.
B. Thinking about Marie.
C. Seeing the chaplain.
D. Appealing his sentence.
112. What detail about his father’s past did Meursault remember that helped him understand the importance of an execution?
A. His father had always spoken against the death penalty.
B. His father had been sick at the thought of going to an execution but went anyway and threw up.
C. His father had been a criminal.
D. His father had died in prison.
113. What did Meursault identify as the fundamental flaw of the guillotine system?
A. It was not quick enough.
B. It was too public.
C. No one had a chance, none whatsoever.
D. It was too painful.
114. What visual detail about the guillotine, contrary to his previous belief, surprised Meursault?
A. It was old and rusty.
B. It was much larger than he imagined.
C. It was set down on the ground, not requiring steps to a scaffold.
D. It was decorated with symbols.
115. What was Meursault’s method for coping with his impending death and appeal?
A. He tried to be logical, accepting the worst outcome, and forcing himself to find the sky interesting.
B. He sought comfort from the guards.
C. He developed a vivid imagination.
D. He prayed constantly.
116. What was the “horrible lurch” Meursault felt when he considered the possibility of living for another twenty years?
A. Regret for lost time.
B. The crushing weight of prolonged existence.
C. Hope for a changed life.
D. Fear of the unknown.
117. What was Meursault’s reaction to the thought of Marie stopping writing to him?
A. He resolved to write to her more often.
B. He felt angry and betrayed.
C. He was deeply saddened and missed her.
D. He considered it natural and would become indifferent to her memory if she were dead.
118. What was Meursault’s direct reply when the chaplain asked him why he refused to see him?
A. He was too busy.
B. He was in despair.
C. He didn’t believe in God.
D. He felt too ashamed.
119. When the chaplain told Meursault he felt sorry for him for living without hope after death, what was Meursault’s response?
A. He felt the chaplain was beginning to bore him.
B. He started to cry.
C. He tried to convince the chaplain otherwise.
D. He agreed it was unbearable.
120. When the chaplain urged Meursault to “see” a divine face emerging from the darkness of his cell walls, what face did Meursault say he had once tried to see there?
A. His own face.
B. The face of justice.
C. Marie’s face, glowing with the colour of the sun and flame of desire.
D. His mother’s face.
121. What ignited Meursault’s outburst against the chaplain?
A. The chaplain’s calm demeanor.
B. The chaplain’s question about his father.
C. The chaplain’s insistence on prayer and certainty.
D. The chaplain’s offer of forgiveness.
122. What did Meursault assert he was “sure of” during his angry outburst?
A. His life, his impending death, and that he had always been right.
B. His innocence.
C. His appeal being granted.
D. God’s existence.
123. What did Meursault realize about “everyone” during his outburst?
A. Everyone is good at heart.
B. Everyone was privileged, and everyone would one day be condemned to death.
C. Everyone is equal in the eyes of the law.
D. Everyone deserves a second chance.
124. What did Meursault feel after his outburst against the chaplain?
A. Renewed hope for his appeal.
B. Deep regret for his actions.
C. A sense of dread and loneliness.
D. A wonderful peacefulness and the “tender indifference of the world.”
125. What was Meursault’s final hope for his execution?
A. That he would die peacefully and alone.
B. That he would be pardoned at the last moment.
C. That there would be many spectators who would greet him with cries of hatred.
D. That Marie would be there to comfort him.
Translator’s Note
126. Why does translator Sandra Smith believe new translations are necessary?
A. To make stories shorter and more concise.
B. To update stories to modern settings.
C. Because language constantly evolves and should be accessible to modern readers.
D. To correct errors in previous translations.
127. What did Sandra Smith listen to in order to capture Camus’s intended nuances?
A. Interviews with Camus’s family.
B. A recording of Camus’s own reading of the novel.
C. Lectures by Camus on his philosophy.
D. Other French novels from the same period.
128. What are the multiple meanings of the French word “étranger”?
A. Enemy, adversary, opponent.
B. Outcast, pariah, outcast.
C. Wanderer, nomad, transient.
D. Outsider, stranger, foreigner.
129. How did Sandra Smith translate Camus’s metaphor of “knocking on the door of malheur”?
A. “The door of unhappiness.”
B. “The fatal door of destiny.”
C. “The portal of disaster.”
D. “The gateway to misfortune.”
130. Why did Sandra Smith use both “Mother” and “Mama” for “maman”?
A. To show Meursault’s changing feelings towards his mother.
B. “Mother” for the terse telegram, and “Mama” for a more intimate relationship.
C. To avoid sounding too juvenile with “Mummy” or “Mommy.”
D. Both B and C.
131. What word did previous translations use for “tendre” that Smith argues misses the nuance?
A. Gentle.
B. Soft.
C. Benign.
D. Mild.
132. Translating “tendre” as “tender” instead of “benign” changes what aspect of the work?
A. The legal perspective of the novel.
B. The psychological perspective of the characters.
C. The entire philosophical perspective of the work.
D. The historical context of the novel.
133. What did Camus famously say about Meursault’s character?
A. That Meursault was “a lost sheep.”
B. That Meursault was “the only Christ we deserve.”
C. That Meursault was “a modern-day prophet.”
D. That Meursault was “a saint in disguise.”
134. What did Camus mean by calling Meursault “the only Christ we deserve”?
A. Meursault was exceptionally kind.
B. Meursault was prepared to die rather than lie or “play the game.”
C. Meursault suffered for humanity’s sins.
D. Meursault was innocent of all charges.
135. How did Sandra Smith translate Camus’s final phrase, “Pour que tout soit consommé”?
A. “So that everything is finished.”
B. “So that it might be finished.”
C. “Let it be consumed.”
D. “Until all is done.”
136. What writing style did Sandra Smith maintain to reflect Meursault’s character?
A. Lyrical and descriptive language.
B. Direct, staccato style.
C. Formal and academic tone.
D. Colloquial and slang-filled dialogue.
137. Which parts of the novel did Smith identify as the “most lyrical”?
A. The dialogues between Meursault and Marie.
B. The descriptions of Meursault’s inner thoughts.
C. The striking descriptions of nature, especially sun and sea imagery.
D. The court proceedings.
138. Where did Albert Camus study philosophy?
A. University of Paris
B. University of Algiers
C. Sorbonne
D. Cambridge University
139. What was one of Camus’s early professions?
A. A teacher.
B. A lawyer.
C. A journalist.
D. A doctor.
140. Which of Camus’s books was published in 1947?
A. Caligula.
B. L’Etranger (The Outsider).
C. La Peste (The Plague).
D. Le Mythe de Sisyphe (The Myth of Sisyphus).
141. What major award did Albert Camus receive in 1957?
A. Pulitzer Prize.
B. Nobel Prize for Literature.
C. Man Booker Prize.
D. French American Foundation Translation Prize.
142. How did Albert Camus die?
A. From an illness.
B. In a road accident.
C. During the Resistance movement.
D. By suicide.
143. What was the title of Camus’s last, unfinished novel?
A. The Fall.
B. The Plague.
C. The First Man.
D. The Just.
144. What is Sandra Smith’s academic position?
A. Professor of English Literature.
B. Fellow, teaching French language and literature.
C. Head of Translation Studies.
D. Researcher in philosophy.
145. Which translation prize did Sandra Smith win?
A. Booker International Prize.
B. French American Foundation Florence Gould Foundation Translation Prize.
C. National Book Award for Translated Literature.
D. Pushkin House Russian Book Prize.
146. When was Sandra Smith’s translation of L’Étranger first published?
A. 1942.
B. 1957.
C. 2012.
D. 2013.
147. What is the original French title of The Outsider?
A. Le Premier Homme.
B. Le Mythe de Sisyphe.
C. L’Étranger.
D. La Peste.
148. Who holds the copyright for the original text of L’Étranger?
A. Sandra Smith.
B. Penguin Group.
C. Librairie Gallimard.
D. Albert Camus.
149. Which university did Sandra Smith study at, besides NYU and the Sorbonne?
A. Oxford University.
B. Harvard University.
C. Cambridge University.
D. University of Algiers.
150. According to Meursault, what was the impact of his mother’s death after the funeral?
A. It made him feel profound grief.
B. It was a matter that was officially closed.
C. He felt guilty about it.
D. He felt relieved but also sad.
