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 real than any other character in the book.
I do think that it is interesting that Rambert appears to have the most legitimate character arc compared to the other characters in the book. I also think it is interesting that Rambert was always making the choice to either leave or help out. There was never any in between for him, proving that he's also one of the most motivated characters in the book.
ReplyDeleteYeah I think that Rambert was a very intriguing character as he faced the dilemma of whether to try to leave or stay and help. While others in Oran wanted to leave, Rambert faced that issue on another level, not really belonging there. Rieux's wife is not in Oran, but as a doctor during the plague, Rieux is has a job to do so he accepted his situation. However, before Rambert sees how he can help, he feels trapped and feels that he must escape. But once he sees that he can help, Rambert feels guilty when thinking of escaping, so he stays. If there was nothing he could do to help, he may have been much more ready to leave.
ReplyDeleteConsidering the philosophical background of Camus, I wonder if Rambert being a contrasting character was purposeful. Either for us to see the human nature behind his thoughts and actions, or to provide contrast to the more robotic emotions and reactions of Rieux. Camus seems to have thought of every possible way people could've reacted to the plague, and I just wonder why he decided to integrate this particular character into the story.
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