You guys gave me some fantastic help when I was writing my Amelie essay for french! Thankyou so much. But I now have another essay- How this book (L'Etranger) was influenced by French philosphy/ philosophers.

I am yet to finish reading the book (I have a 3 hour bus journey to London on Saturday for that) but I wondered whether anyone has previously studied this book, or has a knowledge in French philosophy.

Anything (as last time) would be helpful

Thankyou!

Gonna be reading it soon. We're doing a unit on existentialism soon in my lit class and that's one of them.

I'll get to you when we read it.

And if we're on French literature, might I reccomend Le Petit Prince? That book is beautiful.

I love that book It is so beautiful, as you say- it almost makes me want to cry.

Are you doing English lit then? It sounds exactly the sort of lesson I need to sit in on to write this. I chose the topis as I thought it would interest me and so therefore I would actualy be interested in writing the essay.

We'll see

Ok, so I have read the book, have plenty of quotes to outline places where existentialism is shown- but can someone explain to me (in laymans terms) exactly what it is? I have the basic idea, but I think I need it clarified.

Alrighty. Existentialism in its purist form is the belief that life is meaningless and absurd. The three recurring themes in almost every existential book are choice, commitment to said choice, and responsibility thereof. So let's take a minor event in the book: (SPOILERS) Mersault becomes friends with Raymond. Raymond has Mersault write that letter for him to the woman. There's the choice. Commitment comes in as Mersault continues to be friends with Raymond and testifies on his behalf. Responsibility then therefore comes in as he kills the Arab and the ensuing conviction, dig?

Ah ha! Fantastic!

Could you also say that Mersault killing the Arab was his choice, his unwant of a lawyer his commitment, and his death penalty his responsibility?

Thanks for your explanation- it helped greatly.

Indeedy do. That would work, too.

Your rhyming skills are incredible

Aren't they though? It's like a show. Way to go. Fun stuff, bro.

Just showing off now

I am because I can, I rhyme all the time!