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Existentialism In the Plague

 Existentialism is something I've heard a lot about, however, it is not until our discussion of this novel (The Plague) that I have actually come upon an explicit definition. It was quite shocking for me to find (based on the explanation) that I am in fact an existentialist, but that's a topic for another blog post. Leaving that aside, I struggled to connect existentialism to part 1 of The Plague. However, upon further inspection, the novel has decidedly existential elements. 

The plague is much like existence itself and the overwhelming certainty of death. Many are reluctant to acknowledge its reality and go about their daily lives without sparing a thought for the ends of their own lives or those of others. Others, like Rieux acknowledge the approach of death, but find ways to carve out meaning and value in their day to day lives. In the context of this novel, fighting against the plague.

I'm sure as we continue through the pages of this novel we will encounter many more moments and characters which epitomize existentialism/absurdism. However, first and foremost, I am excited to further explore the intricacies of daily life under lockdown in Oran. 

Comments

  1. RylandNovember 6, 2020 at 7:45 PM

    I am unfamiliar with existentialism but I definitely think that the part where they are discussing how one dies in Oran is a strange one. How everyone has a single meaning to their lives (money) and that they do not pay attention to those who die. It seems like their meaning blinds them to what we as readers think they should be caring about.

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  2. locally locayleeNovember 8, 2020 at 8:08 PM

    I think it's interesting how you tried to connect existentialism to part 1 of the book; I kind of forgot about that aspect when reading the book. I think your parallels are accurate; however, I wonder if Camus actually meant for them to be there. Also, I wonder if the connections will be this subtle throughout the book.

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  3. Edward KongNovember 23, 2020 at 7:26 PM

    I was also unfamiliar with the concept of existentialism until now. However, I feel that in some aspects, it can be applied to part 1 of the novel. It sort of describes the setting leading up to the tragedy. The "pre-construed" mindset of the population of Oran demonstrates this original theory of existence and living for the sake of living.

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  4. erin's blogNovember 23, 2020 at 9:05 PM

    If I remember correctly, existentialism is just believing in free will? That's probably a bad definition, but anyways, free will seems to be a reoccurring theme. The way the characters choose to respond to the plague is what defines their personalities, and Camus has made it clear that each of them has a choice to make. If this is an allegory for the spread of facism he could also be talking about everyone's individual responsibility to stop it

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