The plague by Albert Camus

¶ … Plague: Albert Camus

Camu's Philosophy

Albert Camus' philosophy is often defined as the "philosophy of the absurd" the idea that life has no rational or real meaning (Ward, 2005). This philosophy is defined through the actions and life of his six characters in his novel The Plague. It is here that Camus attempt o imply that while there is no rational basis for moral order that does not suggest that one should have an indifferent attitude toward moral order. Camus instead presents himself as someone who is optimistic of the future even though he may lack hope. He defines the "absurd hero" as someone who resists the illusion that rational order exists but also resists despair (Ward, 2005).

His philosophy is similar to Existentialism, who tend to assert no rational or moral meaning can be tied to human existence. Unlike existentialist thought however Camus suggests that all humans have an innate capacity to do good but most people fail to ever realize their potential (Ward, 2005; Bronner 1999).

Camus' Characters

In his work The Plague Camus expresses his world view and philosophy through his main characters including: Dr. Bernard Rieux, Jean Tarrou, Joseph Grand, Raymond Rambert, Cottard and Father Paneloux. Of these Dr. Rieux is one of the most influential. As narrator of The Plague, this character urges people to act in a morally and socially responsible manner. Like Camus suggests personal distress does not distract him from his plight, which involves alleviating human suffering, much like Camus suggests in his personal philosophy.

Jean Tarrrou's philosophy is similar to that of Rieux, only more philosophical (Ward, 1995). Tarrous suggests that there is not rational or moral meaning to man's existence however and suggests that meaning is only reaped from life when people struggle nobly against the suffering inevitable during life. Grand on the other hand depicts someone who is consumed by suffering and anxiety, an example of how not to live one's life because such struggle over despair prevents one from living a morally and nobly worthy existence. Rambert also struggles to find meaning but in doing so represents Camu's philosophy well. Cottard is alone and suffers terrible fear, eschewing all social and moral responsibility (Ward, 1995).

He is the embodiment of how one should not live their life if following Camu's philosophy of the absurd or an existentialist existence. Father Paneloux, terrified, finds the plague a punishment sent to mankind for sins committed on earth; he is an example of someone who becomes a citizen to suffering and enslaved to unconscious habits. He struggles to find meaning, whether moral or rational to explain the plague, while all the while Camus suggests that there is no meaning to death and suffering (Ward, 1995). Camus suggested that most people live an irrational existence and must therefore suffer an "absurd death sentence" however he also believed that people could enjoy meaning within life, and perhaps Father Paneloux found meaning in his prayerful existence (Ward, 1995).

Ultimately through the characters in the work Camus successfully presents the idea that rebellion against the suffering occurring from the plague is absurd (Bronner, 1999). The Plague suggests that there is value in optimism and the hope that some relief might be discovered, but also suggests that people act in a meaningful way and fight for their lives even when all else seems hopeless. Through these actions people are capable of finding meaning and restoring some sense of rational control over their lives and their existence.

Camus World View

Ultimately Camus concerned himself with human suffering and the plight of humans in a world that seemed indifferent to the needs of humans (Ward, 2005; Bronner, 1999). Camus is concerned with encouraging optimism despite the notion that we live an irrational and somewhat absurd existence.

Camus addresses his worldview in The Plague, by calling attention to the response to the catastrophe within a large city where the plague breaks out; Camus attempts to assert the notion that perseverance despite tragedy and struggle is noble even when it makes no difference at all (Ward, 2005). His worldview suggests that it is important to remain dedicated to noble causes even if they are futile.