In 1947, Albert Camus published The Plague, a fictional story that takes place in the town of Oran, Northern Algeria. Within this book, Camus presents the viewpoint of a character who is uncertain about what lies ahead but understands the pressing necessity to heal those who are ill (Camus 33).
This novel is a representation of the French resistance to the Nazis during World War 2. It explores the futile nature of human desires and the inevitability of suffering, reflecting on questions about destiny and the human condition. The characters in the story vividly depict the effects of the plague on different segments of society, including doctors, vacationers, and fugitives. While set in the 1940s, the novel draws inspiration from a cholera epidemic that decimated Oran's population in 1849 under French colonization. Published years after Oran and its sur
...roundings were ravaged by diseases.
A research conducted by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that Oran had been plagued twice previously, in 1556 and 1678. However, the officially reported outbreak occurred much later in 1921, with a total of 185 cases. In subsequent years, cases continued to be reported; there were 76 cases in 1931 and an increase to 95 cases in 1944. These figures, however, differ significantly from those depicted in the novel where the scale of the plague is much larger. Notably, the outbreak initially originated in Algeria's port city of Oran.
Dr. Bernard Rieux, the town doctor, became concerned when all the rats in the city inexplicably started jerking, spinning, and spurting blood before dying. Gradually, the rat deaths ceased because they had all perished, but then the townspeople began falling ill. This
sparked panic among the residents. The public responded to their unexpected confinement with a powerful longing for their loved ones.
They were experiencing personal distress, convinced that their suffering was different from the general suffering. Consequently, Father Paneloux delivered a harsh sermon, asserting that the plague was a punishment from God for the wrongdoings of Oran. Raymond Rambert opted to flee Oran and reunite with his wife in Paris, but unfortunately, the city's authorities refused to grant him permission. He attempted to escape with the help of Cottard's criminal contacts and ultimately felt guilt-ridden for fleeing when his friend Tarrou was separated from his spouse.
Despite his fear of being arrested and punished for a past crime, Cottard decides to stay behind and assist in combating the epidemic. This choice brings him a sense of solace, as he no longer feels alone in his suffering (Camus 12). While Camus argues against it, the plague is still regarded as an existentialist classic.
The text highlights the similarity in narrative tone between the book and Kafka's works, particularly The Trial, where potential sentences carry multiple meanings. It also suggests that the material resonates as a phenomenal allegory, exploring themes of consciousness and the human condition. The book depicts the French resistance to the Nazis during World War II, using metaphorical representation. While the approach is detailed, the narration primarily focuses on ideas beyond control. Furthermore, the author describes how humans react to disaster. The plague serves as a symbol for the world's response to the concept of disaster.
Both Rieux and Rambert experience separation and exile, as they are both separated from their loved ones. In addition to them, numerous other
unidentified citizens also suffer from separation and exile. These individuals are also cut off from their loved ones in various towns, as well as those who were away when the gates of Oran closed. As a result, the entire town is set into exile, completely disconnected from the outside world.
Rieux explained how exile affected the town, causing some, like Rambert, to feel twice as strongly due to being away from home and loved ones. The experience of exile led to a shift in the people's attitudes and behaviors. At first, there was excitement because they believed the separation would only be temporary and they would soon be reunited with their loved ones.
They eventually felt like prisoners in their own lives, trapped in misery with no knowledge of how long it would last. This left them filled with regret and a sense of abandonment, as most of their tasks remained unfinished. It was a painful experience that required perseverance, even though they couldn't share their struggles with loved ones (Camus 66). Once the epidemic finally ended, Rieux revisited the topic while the memories of exile and deprivation were still fresh in the minds of enthusiastic family members and friends who had been separated for an extended period. For others in the community, letting go of the pain caused by exile proved too difficult.
All they desired was a gathering filled with an indescribable yet highly esteemed ambiance. To some, this atmosphere represented tranquility. Tarrou was one of those individuals, even though Rieux believed he discovered it in death. The concept of exile held intricate metaphysical connotations that were exceedingly profound. It entailed losing faith in humanity's existence
within a logical cosmos, where they could realize their dreams and aspirations, perceive reality accurately, and feel a sense of belonging. Camus articulates in the Myth of Sisyphus that this universe is plagued by a scarcity of illusions and light.
Camus portrays the plague in Oran as a phenomenon that creates a disordered and unpredictable universe devoid of a transcendent God. It affects people regardless of their social status, plunging them into a state of fear and uncertainty that often leads to death. The characters of Rieux, Rambert, and Tarrou represent different responses to the plague, and in part II, Rieux's conversation with Tarrou reveals his own stance on the matter.
The argument is made that only a mad person would willingly subject themselves to the plague. Rather than accepting events like sickness and death, it is believed that one must find a way to escape them. Rieux made the decision to be a part of an eternal defeat when Tarrou stated that victory would never last, but that he would never be prevented from fighting. Rieux and Tarrou both believe that working for the benefit of others requires sacrificing personal happiness. Initially, Rieux refused to belong to Oran until he met and fell in love with a woman in Paris.
Work cited
- Camus, Albert, and Robin Buss. The Plague. London: Allen Lane, 2001. Print.
- Camus, A. "The plague (S. Gilbert, trans.)." New York: Vintage (1972).
