Journal 6

1. Word Choice: This includes the level of vocabulary that is used, whether the author uses passive or active verbs, the dialect used, the denotation and connotation of the words, and how powerful the verbs used are.
When dialect is used, it often helps the reader connect to the character. With that said, is there a reason that Camus did not use dialect in the book?
2. Sentences: This includes the syntax of the sentences, rhythm to the sentences, whether they are short or long, or interrogative or declarative.
Camus generally does not use much dialogue. Is there any significance in the lack of dialogue?
3. Images: These are what appeal to the sight, sound, taste, touch and smell.
Is there significance in when Camus mentions the sun in the story? Why does he mention it at certain times instead of others?
4. Symbols: These are the images which represent more than themselves. They go beyond the literal.
Does Camus use the sun to represent two completely opposite things? At first I thought it lightened the mood, but Camus used it before part two like it was almost attacking Meursault.
5. Figures of Speech: This includes irony, similes and metaphors and what two things are being compared, and personification.
Why does Camus personify the sun and heat to be attacking Meursault when at first the sun and heat seemed to lighten the mood?
6. Rhetorical Devices: This includes the dialogue and narration, parallelism, and balance.
Why does Camus use so much narration but so little dialogue? And how come when he does use the dialogue, it is basically the same as the narration?
7. Patterns: This includes motifs, symbols, objects, alliteration, assonance, words, phrases, and theme.
Does Camus use the repetition of the dog and Meursault’s neighbor to illustrate a theme for the book?
8. Narrators: Is the narrator an observer, active participant in the story, or both? What is the narrator’s role in the story?
Why does Camus make the narrator switch from being an observer to being Meursault some of the time?
9. Structure: This is the chronology, space, timing, mind, and pace or the story.
Why does Camus explain certain events which such detail, but skip through others so quickly?