Dr. Rieux’s pragmatic and anxious nature grows increasingly evident in this section. Throughout the story, Rieux is characterized by author Albert Camus as a man who cares for his community through his dedication to his patients. His concern towards the fever is emphasized by his continuous calls to the Prefect’s office. After finally being able to convene a health committee meeting, he brings attention to the expanding number of deaths and fevers to the unconcerned town’s leaders. Rieux demands that town officials must “apply the rigorous prophylactic measures laid down in the code,” (46). All his efforts to help cease the new fever shows his dedication to his town in Oran. The actions of the public officials in the meeting indicate the carelessness with which they regard the fever. It almost seems as if they want to sweep the plague “under the rug” and mask its importance from society. The official's behavior and wishes give glimpses of what Oran really is- a suppressed society controlled by its government.

            Furthermore, in this section, Camus foreshadows how the people of Oran would behave if their government declares there is a plague. When describing a character Camus says, “ he was one of those rare people, rare in our town as elsewhere, who have the courage of their good feelings. What little he told of his personal life vouched of acts of kindness and a capacity for affection that no one in our times dares own to," (43). This excerpt indicates that the people of Oran are cold-hearted. If a friend were to get struck by the fever they would immediately exile that friend from their life.