Cottard: A Significant Character

In this section, author Albert Camus develops the character of Cottard. It is argued that Cottard is an additional character in which is created to add a mysterious feel the story; however, I disagree. I believe that Cottard symbolizes the “eccentricities” of the townspeople of Oran. Cottard, like almost every other individual in Oran is troubled by the strangeness of the town in which he inhabits. In order to deal with the idiosyncrasies of the town he behaves a certain way. The most obvious way in which Cottard attempts to deal with is suffering is by attempting suicide.

            In order to gain back the acceptance of the individuals of Oran, Cottard performs a series of actions such as leaving large tips and making small conversations with passerby’s. Grand describes the new behavior of Cottard by stating, “in the streets, in shops, he was always trying to strike up friendships. To the grocer he was all affability; no one could take more pains than he to show his interest, “ (50). The way Grand views Cottard emphasizes Cottard’s persistence in regaining partial acceptance. He, like any other person in the town facing inattention, wants consideration. 

           By creating Cottard, a man ignored by his society, Camus is able to demonstrate to the readers the actual behavior of the people of Oran. Cottard displays to the readers that the people of Oran are harsh and idiosyncratic.