The Plague

The Plague

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The Plague

Introduction

Being a renowned philosopher in the ancient period, Albert Camus uses his literature piece, The Plague, to discuss certain issues affecting the society from an idealistic perspective. One of the evident theoretical questions discussed in this novel is the concept of existentialism in the community. He portrays a society that struggles to end the unresponsiveness augmented by human suffering (Brett & Camus, 2002). His discussions confirm that through such philosophical principles, the human beings affected by such adversities use dissimilar approaches to cope with the situation. This confirms the existentialism philosophy, which states that the actions of a human being are the main defining factor in a person’s existence. However, Camus offers a theoretical twist to the conventional principles of existentialism. For example, he alleges that the actions of an individual may expose his or her inherent dignity that was unknown due to the peaceful situations defining his or her existence (Thoyakkat, 2009).

For this reason, Camus argues that the revelation of this integrity only happens in times of adversity. This occurs due to the absurd situations created by the differing principles of the mortal life and the immortal world. This theorist also highlights the innate nature of integrity in order to justify the addressed philosophical concern in The Plague. He believes that human beings are born with a sense of worth. Accordingly, each person has a spark of integrity that requires nurturing in order for the world to identify it (Camus, 2000). Based on these arguments, this philosophical review seeks to evaluate existentialism as one of the major concerns addressed by Camus in The Plague. This theoretical question will form the basis in summarizing other related themes in the novel. This philosophical issue highlights the integrity present in every human being (Thoyakkat, 2009).

Summary

The Plague is a literature piece that revolves around an epidemic occurring in the metropolitan area of Oran in Algeria. This imaginary tale commences with the death of numerous rats, an aspect that triggers the outbreak. The subsequent hysteria impels the local authorities to formulate hasty strategies aimed at collecting all these rats and discarding them appropriately. The death of Mr. Michel and other inhabitants of this area is the main justification that Cartel uses to assert that this calamity is a plague (Brett & Camus, 2002). Consequently, he collaborates with Dr. Rieux to deal with the unresponsiveness shown by the administrative organs and doctors. It takes time before these authorities can accept that this epidemic will wipe out a larger number of the metropolis’ inhabitants. Later, they use the quarantine approach to tackle the situation that threatens to get out of hand.

Following the limited freedom experienced by the inhabitants of this metropolitan region, they consider their distress as dissimilar from other forms of suffering faced by the human race. Moreover, one of the clergymen asserts that the epidemic is a punishment instigated by God due to the immorality promoted by the citizens of Oran (Brett & Camus, 2002). The distress is so intense that Raymond seeks an opportunity to escape from this region and unite with his spouse in Paris. He attempts to use illegal means since the authorities are executing the quarantine principles stringently. However, when he realizes that Dr. Rieux is also away from his wife, he decides to abandon his plans in order to help in ending this pandemic (Camus, 2000). Conversely, Cottard perceives this period as an opportunity to increase his wealth. He uses illegal means to smuggle goods. Moreover, he finds satisfaction in seeing other people suffer during this epidemic. According to him, it is pleasing to see other people face distressful moments that are somewhat similar to his daily distress of fearing imprisonment following his past criminal activities.

When the plague lasts for several months, the citizens of Oran realize that the pandemic is everybody’s concern, a fact that propels them to abandon their self-centered obsession with individual distress. Subsequently, they participate in ending this calamity. Following the death of Othon’s son, Dr. Rieux confronts father Paneloux and states that the minor was not sinful. This clergyman modifies his initial statement that the death of such innocent people should challenge the Christians to increase their faith in God (Brett & Camus, 2002). When the plague ends, Cottard cannot cope with his distress. He fires his gun aimlessly in the streets, an action that leads to his arrest. Some citizens such as Grand vow to abandon their former life and appreciate the meaning of life and its components. However, a larger portion of the general population swiftly switches to their original way of life.

Critique

Similar to other existentialists, Camus highlights that accepting the burdens of life is the only way of identifying and understanding the true meaning of one’s existence. However, owing to the human nature, this comprehension mostly occurs in times of adverse conditions. In order to address this philosophical concern, the author of this novel portrays Oran as a city will little glamour and energy (Brett & Camus, 2002). The only character who seems to question the essence of commercial transactions in the area is Dr. Rieux. The unresponsiveness of the authorities and the general populace is evident when the plague hits the city. The inhabitants have little regard for the essence of life and the need to overcome all struggles communally as evident in their reluctance in dealing with the plague (Camus, 2000). The comparisons included in this novel with reference to Dr. Rieux and the other citizens of Oran is an effective approach used by Camus to highlight the effects of conventional existentialism in the society. For example, his occupation proves his regard for human life. Moreover, he constantly questions the hypocrisy and selfish attitude promoted by most of the citizens.

Another character used by the theorist to highlight his ideas and questions is Tarrou. He is not a native of Oran city and has no outside inspiration to help the inhabitants of this region when the plague strikes the town. However, he realizes his responsibility to assist others in handling such distressful situations (Camus, 2000). This justifies the idea promoted by Camus on the existence of intrinsic integrity in all human beings and the augmentation of this dignity in times of trouble. Although some people may term this character as the hero in the novel, Camus indicates that other people would undertake similar acts under such conditions. In conclusion, The Plague highlights Camus’ idea on the existence of a spark of integrity in all human beings. However, this sense of responsible is mostly evident in times of trouble. Accordingly, this theorist highlights that the daily activities of a person are insufficient in defining his or her meaning in life. Such arguments highlight the differences between Camus’ concerns and ideas from those of other existentialists.

References

Camus, A. (January 01, 2000). The Plague (Excerpts). Academic Medicine: Journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges, 75, 9, 944.

Brett, M., & Camus, A. (January 01, 2002). The Plague. Tls, the Times Literary Supplement, 5162, 23.

Thoyakkat, S. (September 01, 2009). The world is what was given; the world is what we make: Albert Camus’ bifocal credo in the Plague. Iup Journal of English Studies, 4, 7-27.