Skip to main content

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.

    ReplyDelete
  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.

    ReplyDelete
  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.

    ReplyDelete
  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

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Coalhouse Walker's Pride

Coalhouse Walker Jr is an upstanding gentleman with unquestionable class, style, and sophistication. So many things about him set him apart from those around him, however his most undeniably unique trait is his burning sense of pride. In a time in American history in which black people were expected to "ingratiate themselves" and put their dignity aside for the sake of the white man, Coalhouse refuses to do so. The matter in which he stands his ground, may be considered fairly small in a larger context of hate crimes, but his decision to fight is far from insignificant. What Coalhouse demands is to simply be treated with basic human decency. The crime committed against him, while not violent is disgusting, Coalhouse was treated as if he were not a man worthy of respect. The profoundness of Coalhouse's movement lies in the simplicity of his requests. So much damage is caused over the destruction of a car. A crime that the fire chief and his crew are most certainly guilty...
8 comments
Read more

This Bird Has Flown

Introduction Ok, so if you know me, you know that my main obsession in life is pop culture. So, when given the opportunity to write a short story about anything of a historical nature I immediately jumped at the Beatles. A lot of my initial ideas I ended up scrapping, but I finished something that I quite like. Even though it’s not what I originally intended. For historical reference, before the Beatles were internationally famous they went to Hamburg in Germany for a residency in clubs there. I tried to use this setting to create this anecdote. Enjoy! https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LLhh7pil-0e_URGaZAKbakuXcnUdxXcgf0iHXvYWo9A/edit?usp=sharing
8 comments
Read more

The Humanity of Rambert

Throughout my time reading The Plague I have noticed the realistic depictions of many key characters. Rambert in particular struck me as a highly human character. In saying that, I found his dilemma to be strikingly realistic and heartbreaking in a novel which doesn't delve into emotions too deeply. He stood out in a town of people who seemingly had nothing to live for. In contrast to the other characters who also often find themselves in tough situations, Rambert agonizes over the decision. He is consistently wrestling with the morality of his current and potential future action. Rieux also has a partner outside of Oran, but he seems less bothered. Rambert is unique in his desire to leave, but also his desire later to help out. Rambert is extremely human in that humans are complicated and unpredictable, they can change their minds and make decisions that seemingly go directly against one another. Rambert approaches an uncertain life in an uncertain manner, making him seem more rea...
3 comments
Read more