Plague Albert Camus Term Paper

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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.

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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.....

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