Deck 4: The Stranger

Question 1

Simmel's essay describes

A) the social process of exclusion and avoidance of things and people different from the cultural norm.
B) the stages of acquaintanceship: awareness, identification, exploration, normalization, inclusion, and attachment.
C) the seemingly contradictory nature of a social type or character who can be both near and remote, different and similar, a part of the group yet apart from it.
D) the way we detach ourselves from situations and events that threaten our sense of self-that is, the ability to avoid being drawn into problematic scenes by acting as if we are invisible.

Answer 1

C

Question 2

Which term can best be applied to the stranger?

A) objective (able to see the facts for what they are)
B) subservient (to those who belong to the group)
C) unusual (especially in terms of cultural practices and beliefs)
D) untrustworthy (does not follow the usual rules of society)
E) heroic (chooses to do what is right rather than what is expected)

Answer 2

A

Question 3

Georg Simmel's essay "The Stranger"

A) describes the fictional character in Albert Camus's novel The Stranger.
B) examines the relationship between persons immersed in a situation and someone who is present but not involved in the situation.
C) explains the attraction of movies, especially Westerns, where a hero (a stranger) comes to town, solves the town's problem, then leaves.
D) explores the roles of group solidarity and community integration in the evolution

Answer 3

B

Question 4

What characterizes the stranger, according to Simmel?

A) The stranger is judged more harshly than other members of the group.
B) The stranger is either physically different from those in the group or displays distinct cultural features, such as an accent or way of dressing.
C) The stranger has something others want and is careful to withhold it until he or she gains acceptance by the group's members.
D) The stranger may receive confidential information withheld from other members of the group.