Final Lecture in Modern and Contemporary Literature

Introduction

• Final video in course before final exam
• Commendation to students for hard work and engagement
• Reminder to finish reading the assigned short story (textbook pages 1246-1257)
• Mention of movie adaptation "Far From Men" starring Viggo Mortensen
  • Note: Movie takes liberties with the source material but focuses on central conflict tied to French colonization of Algeria

Background on Author: Albert Camus

• French writer (early 20th century)
• Significant Points:
  1. Staunch opposer of oppression
     • Grew up in Algeria (French colony)
     • Outspoken about the harsh treatment of Algerians by the French
     • Joined French Resistance, edited an underground newspaper against Nazis
  2. Believer in existentialism
     • Philosophy: Create our own meaning in life through choices and responsibilities
• Won the Nobel Prize for Literature
  • Tragically, his career was cut short by his death three years later

Analysis of "The Guest"

Setting

• Location: Algeria, remote desert area, schoolhouse
• Time Period: Just before the outbreak of war in 1954
  • War: Between French troops and Algerians, lasting 6 years, leading to Algerian independence
• Season: Winter

Characters

• Daru (Protagonist): Schoolmaster, story told through his perspective (third person limited)

  • Internal Conflict: Choice between taking an Arab prisoner to jail (French command) or letting him escape (sympathy for Algerians)

• Arab Prisoner: Never named, referred to by nationality and status

  • Imprisoned by French for killing cousin
  • Chooses to turn himself in at the end

• Balducci: Police officer, Daru's friend

  • Brings Arab prisoner to Daru, instructs him to take prisoner to the police station
  • Represents the French authority and looming war

Making Inferences

Environment

• Harsh, Lonely, Isolated

  • Example Quote: “Thick snow was falling amidst unbroken darkness...”

• Political Environment: Colonization context

  • Example: Students learn French geography, not their own

• Conflict's Impact: French presence creates conflict

  • Example: “But the orders exist and they concern you…”

Daru's Character

• Sympathetic to Algerians and students

  • Example: Cares about poverty and wellbeing of students

• Content with simple life

  • Example: Lives like a monk, still content

• Sympathetic towards the Arab prisoner

  • Example: Unties prisoner, shares meals, makes him comfortable

• Resents the forced decision, feeling of alienation

  • Example Quote: “Every bit of this disgusts me…”

• Tries to avoid making a decision

  • Example: Gives the prisoner a choice of fate

Theme Identification

1. Alienation and Isolation: Attempt to do the right thing in conflict is thankless and futile

   • Example: Daru's neutral choice leaves him isolated from both French and Algerians

2. Absurdism and Responsibility: Individual’s life greatly altered by forces beyond their control

   • Example: Daru caught in conflict due to French colonization; unable to escape consequences

Final Exam Information

• Structure:

  • Multiple-choice (10 questions)
  • True/False (5 questions)
  • Short Answer (4 questions)

• Topics to Study:

  • Multiple-choice: Characteristics of different literary genres
    • Romanticism, Realism, Modernism
  • True/False: Historical context of literary movements
    • Example question provided
  • Short Answer: Specific texts (Faust, How Much Land Does a Man Need?, Metamorphosis, The Guest)
    • Focus on themes, particularly Metamorphosis and The Guest
  • Extra Credit: Question on Dante’s Inferno

• Encouragement:

  • No need to worry if prepared
  • Instructor available via email for questions
  • Good luck and happy studying!