The Stranger

Obviously, when one examines the title of this staggering tale, it is not expected to see an “insider” presented. This is the case for “The Stranger” as Meursault begins the story as an “outsider”. While this story does not do a great job of answering my original Big Question, which was “How does one become and “insider” and “outsider”,” it does a superb job of showing that pure passion with regards to an “outsider” such as Meursault can result in crazy actions and failed attempts to regain a position in society. While the reasons for Meursault’s ruthless killing of the Arab are never is explained, I believe his actions acted as an attempt to fit in with Raymond and the rest of his so-called friends. However, Meursault’s pure passion at trying to stand up for his friends leads him down an irreversible path that eventually leads to his death. The uniqueness in Meurault’s situation is that we find an “outsider” trying to become an “insider,” which has not been the case in the other novels read in class. Ultimately, Meursault understands all too late that he is different and realizes, as he sits in the jail cell awaiting the guillotine, that he had found his own form of happiness being an “outsider” before murdering the Arab.

Crime and Punishment

Psyche. Crime and Punishment delves into this confusing and intricate realm to determine what makes an “insider” and “outsider”. Rodya begins the story in a unique situation because I would neither characterize him as an insider or outsider at this point in the story. All the characters in other books have had a defined role in society. However, after the murders, Rodya distances himself from the “insiders” and as his mental health deteriorates, so does his presence in society. I believe there is a deeper message in this, which relates back to a classic quote, “Always believe in yourself.” It sounds cheesy and elementary, however, when one examines Rodya’s situation, his mental psyche is what ultimately demands his expulsion from society. If Rodya had a greater sense of mental strength he probably would have even gotten away with committing the murder and used the sense of “superman” power to greater his position in society and become an “insider.” Rodya’s thoughts and mental state are ultimately his downfall in what determines his spot as an “outsider” in the Russian society in which he resided.