If you thought hope was lost before, not it’s really gone.

In this section of the novel the narrator talks about how the people of the town cease to care about anything that had previously interested them – income, clothes, social class differentiation. He says that the plague is the ultimate equalizer, for everyone is in the same desperate circumstances as a result of its wrath. The plague does not discriminate, it affects everyone equally. The narrator describes how the town has “lost every trace of a critical spirit, while gaining an air of sang-froid” (183). The plague has crushed all hope the town had: “Without memories, without hope, they lived for the moment only” (182). The town is populated by an unseeing, listless population. One so thoroughly hopeless and “dominated by the plague that sometimes the one thing they aspired to was the long sleep it brought, and they caught themselves thinking: ‘A good thing if I get the plague and have done with it!’” (183).  Getting the plague, as this quote describes, has become an inevitability. No one bothers to try and protect themselves from it anymore, they have accepted the reality that it is a cruel, unstoppable force of nature, and that all efforts to resist are futile. “The plague had gradually killed off in all of us the faculty not of love only but even friendship” (182), as everyone has lost hope and accepts that the plague will eventually catch them. They no longer even bother with holding on to loves that had been shattered by the plague, or even friendships – by accepting their inevitable death they accept a life comprised only with a waiting for the peace death brings. 

Repetition

Throughout the novel thus far the author repeatedly fixated over the effect the plague is having on the town. I wouldn’t mind this, except for the fact that the reflections are always the same; everyone feels trapped by the plague and misses their loved one. It seems, since about page 100, that the author has run out of things to say so he keeps repeating himself. The action that drove the plot forward was the town’s contraction of the plague and the main character’s reactions to it.  Rieux stepped “up to the plate” and worked overtime trying to save as many people as possible. Rambert tried to escape but eventually came around and Tarrou, previously seen as contemplative and introverted started the sanitation squads. However, since these actions the progression of the novel appears to have come to a grinding halt. The narrator switches between describing things that the original author (because this is a translation) observed and a string of details about the plague’s effect on the town. These details are always the same; people feel hopeless and the ones separated from their loved ones are falling into despair.  A gradual progression can be seen as the town slowly drifts more and more into hopelessness as the plague continues to run its course – however, listening to the author detail this gradual progression over a span of 200 pages to me is the equivalent of watching paint dry. 

The Symbolic Burials: CRISTINA VALENCIA

In this chapter, author, Albert Camus more greatly focuses on the method of burial.  Due to the high number of deaths, the dead in the town of Oran are stripped of their right to a proper burial. All the victims are now thrown into mass graves; and when there is no longer space in the cemetery, they are cremated. This process of burial leaves the victims and their families with no proper method of identification.

            This burial although seemingly insignificant identifies all the individuals in the town of Oran as one.  The burial creates a unity between all the individuals in Oran.  Before, even the dead, depending on their social class received different burials: some a big plaque and larger area where their tombstone lays. Now, however, it is all the same. All individuals are receiving the same treatment and because of the new burial system, all individuals are looking at themselves as the same person.

            The burial is symbolic because it is the one element that is uniting the people of Oran. Because of this, the community begins to see themselves as a “true community” united through an important experience. Though, this chapter is the beginning of the unification of the town people of Oran, I believe that it is setting the stepping-stones for an ultimate change in setting. As of now, I am convinced that many things are going to change. Possibly, foreshadowing the conclusion of this horrid disease. 

A Newfound Unity: CRISTINA VALENCIA

By mid-August, the individuals in the town of Oran begin to view the plague as a collective disaster. Author, Albert Camus, describes the plague to deliver “impartial justice” because the victims hold all social standings. As I keep reading Chapter 18, I realize that there is an ultimate shift in the character of the people of Oran- they are beginning to share in their agony.

            The people of Oran, before this chapter, all suffered the effects of the plague. However, they suffered it privately. No one spoke of their anguish, though they had not left the walls of Oran, they still barely spoke to one another- they did not act like a community.

            Now, however, they are all sharing in their distress. I believe this is because they are recognizing that that in order to the fix this “plague” they must work as a team. The individuals in Oran have endured this bubonic plague and are now ready to conquer the consequences. I believe the citizens were able to identify the problem (their separation) because after a while, when their imagination stopped providing them with means to fill their idle time, they were finally able to acknowledge their “collective plight”. Another thing that helped them cope through this realization was when the they realized their plight is being suffered by all people- not just one social class; everyone is “equally condemned” because the plague is suffered by people through all walks of life. 

If i was in Oran...

If I was in this horrid situation in Oran, I think I would simply go mad. The monotony of the lifestyle, with only one true concern, am I going to get the plague today or no? This kind of helplessness Is the feelings I think Albert Camus has as he is writing this. He s unable to talk any sense into the people around him, unable to give hope to anyone as millions and millions of people die unnecessarily. The cruelty of the Plague itself I think demonstrates the destruction of war. Not only does it physically kill people, but it plays with the mind. Things like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder are ways that death play with the mind. Though that specifically is not what effects the characters of the novel, they are all mentally changed by the plague.

Trapped

Expanding on Cristina's point, I would like to say that I feel the same way. Unlike the stranger that had a more interesting development to the story and moved at a quicker pace, this novel seems to be dragging on forever, with nothing ever even happening. No only is exciting happening but all the characters seem to be in a progressive depressing spiral that leads no where. Everyone is dying and things at all happens. This contrast between The Stranger and The Plague seems to be due to a change in Albert Camus's perception on the world due to World War II (Thanks Shap). In the Plague I feel as if Albert could be sort of comparing the struggles of humans against each other, with the plague. This horrible disease that kills everyone without discrimination is like this inner flame in humans that has lead us though 2 World Wars and killed millions upon millions of young men. Also the depressed and hopeless state of characters such as Dr. Rieux represents how he feels about the state of affairs in the world during his life time.

A Better Understanding of the Views of the Author: CRISTINA VALENCIA

As I read what I believe to be a monotonous novel, I begin thinking more about the authors motives. This video, though unrelated to "The Plague" itself, gives readers a better insight into the thoughts behind the written words of Albert Camus.

My current sentiments: CRISTINA VALENCIA

So, I am half way done with the novel. However, I feel trapped. As I continue to ponder the significance behind the author's motives; I become more intrigued. Yet, my interest is not satisfied and therefore I slowly see myself remaining in a cycle of boredom. This maze perfectly demonstrates my confusion with the lack of events or occurrences that a regular novel has.  

Albert Camus: An Author & His View on Death: CRISTINA VALENCIA

As the novel progresses the theme of death is emphasized over and over again- almost too much so. However, as a reader of author's Albert Camus' works like "The Stranger" and "The Plague" I have realized that it is not just the book that is centralized the meaning of death but, it is all his books. After doing more research about the author I realized that the meaning of the book extended over a mere turn-of-events. I came to the conclusion, that Camus was preoccupied with the significance of death and its implications. 

• "Many fledgling moralists in those days were going about our town proclaiming there was nothing to be done about it and we should bow to the inevitable. And Tarrou, Rieux, and their friends might give one answer or another, but its conclusion was always the same, their certitude that a fight must be put up, in this way or that, and there must be no bowing down."

• -Albert Camus, The Plague, Part 2

• "Tarrou nodded. 'Yes. But your victories will never be lasting; that's all.' Rieux's face darkened. 'Yes, I know that. But it's no reason for giving up the struggle.'" - Albert Camus, The Plague part 2

Clip from "La Peste"

This looks like a really cool twist on the novel.

Grand

Let's talk about Grand.
For a guy so obsessed with words, why is he so bad at forming a sentence? Is it his obsession that clears his clarity? Or does he just have some sort of learning disability that inhibits his verbalization. Regardless of his struggle with words, the guy is just on a downward spiral. He is in a plague-ridden town, no one really respects him, and he was not promoted. It really does not seem fair since he has good intentions and he cares about people. Also, his problems are immensely overshadowed by the plague that is sort-of killing all of the citizens of Oran and stuff.  It's funny how he feels that fighting the plague is standard-procedure. He somehow embodies the overall sentiment of the town, in a more personal, exaggerated way. They do things because they have to, they strive for perfection and they fumble over simple things. I hope he lives through the plague. Despite all of his little problems and awkwardness he has become a little flicker of hope for me, I feel like cheering him on. Ever since that first call to Dr. Rieux about Cottard's attempted suicide, he gives off that "vibe".

Mental Exhaustion: CRISTINA VALENCIA

This picture depicts the sentiments of the living people in the town of Oran. The living have witnessed the death of many of their loved ones and therefore, do not desire to live. Through these obstacles, the individuals are slowly but surely losing all connection to reality and dream of a simpler time in which their life was ruled by their desires and wants.

No reason to live: preferring death over life: CRISTINA VALENCIA

Background on the Bubonic Plague: CRISTINA VALENCIA

A Flawless Manuscript: CRISTINA VALENCIA

As the novel progresses, Grand seems to becoming a present character- occurring at least twice every chapter. In this section, it is now made known that Grand desires to write a “flawless” manuscript. His desire is commendable but also debilitating. His wishes (which are evidently unrealistic) demonstrate his impractical judgment.

            I believe that Albert Camus has created his manuscript in direct correlation with the curing of the plague. Once Grand’s novel has reached the point of perfection, the epidemic will be cured and the town of Oran will be restored to its earlier conditions. However, Camus purposely made these two objects in direct correlation because a book can really never reach this state of “perfection” foreshadowing that the epidemic will never reach an end. Camus’ use of the element of foreshadowing is hidden through many indirect occurrences making it difficult for his audience members to detect.

            Grand’s wishes and beliefs also contradict that of the individuals of Oran. By using Grand as a character, Camus thus demonstrated the actions that come together to create the daily routines of the individuals in Oran: a lack of action because of their realistic notion that the epidemic can never reach an end.

            As Grand attempts to draw an end to the plague, he begins coming to the realization that it will never reach an end. Therefore, his realization becomes directly proportional to those of the individuals of Oran: all struggles are meaningless because the epidemic will never fade away. 

Utter Desperation & Reoccurring Theme: CRISTINA VALENCIA

In this section of the novel, the audience is introduced to Dr. Reiux’s asthma patients. These asthma patients serve as an indication of the sentiments of all the individuals in the town of Oran. The patients, who once had hope for their town’s conditions, has now lost all aspirations and this is noted through their practice of counting peas from one pan into another (an activity created in order to pass time).  

            This situation provides a contrast to the main character, Tarrou’s preference of avoiding wasting time in order to come to a faster answer to the epidemic. Through the patients, the author: Albert Camus, is demonstrating that Tarrou is one of the few characters that still believed that measures can be taken to save the town of Oran.

            Albert Camus also emphasizes the patients counting the peas to demonstrate a reoccurring theme in the novel: time. Because of the epidemic, all the individuals are focused on time because it is the only thing that allows them to remain sane. Through the counting or process of time, individuals are able to consume themselves in activities that will inevitably make their time with the epidemic go quicker or lead the time of their death in a healthier manner. The patients are evidence that individuals are fine with performing the dullest activity if it means that it will take their mind off of their present situation or escape from their truth.

High Regards for The Plague from Harvard

Cottard & the benefits he reaps from the plague: CRISTINA VALENCIA

In this section, Cottard becomes a more prevalent character. Cottard’s active role in smuggling trade through the border of Oran greatly affects the condition or state of the town however; it also affects his feelings and actions. By smuggling, Cottard is gaining money as well as growing his name.

            Cottard is growing increasingly content with his situation but not because of his newly created high income, it is also because of the relief he now has knowing that everyone in the town of Oran shares his same depressed sentiments. When the audience was introduced to Cottard earlier in the novel, he was characterized as a lonely man whom sought friendship and believed that money would make him more content with his living condition. Nevertheless, now, though he believes that everyone shares his sentiments and suffering he does not realize that though suffering is common among all individuals in Oran, all suffering is felt or performed alone. This truth, though it goes unnoticed by Cottard, will eventually in the novel make him feel the same way he did in the beginning.

            Some of the individuals in the town of Oran, though they contribute in helping better the conditions of the town inevitably do not share their depressed feelings with others. A common action performed by Tarrou is drawing parallels between one of the main characters of the novel and the townspeople of Oran; and once again he creates this connection between the sentiments of Cottard and the townspeople. 

Dr. Rieux and his surprising change in attitude: CRISTINA VALENCIA

After being introduced to Dr. Rieux in the beginning of the novel, I had found him to be a symbol of hope to the people of Oran. However, as my reading progressed, I began to view him as a more pessimistic character and though a Doctor; he demonstrated a seemingly low or negative point of view when the topic of the epidemic arrived in any conversation. Nevertheless, Dr. Rieux’s character has once again proved my opinion wrong by now, in this section, demonstrating a more positive outlook on the epidemic.

            Albert Camus uses Tarrou as a character who unmasks the beliefs and perceptions of Dr. Rieux. In this section, Tarrou holds a conversation with Dr. Rieux after a town priest who claimed that it was the plague delivered the sermon was the townspeople’s fault. In this conversation, Dr. Rieux’s reveals that he and the priests holds different beliefs—Dr. Rieux is not a Christian. The reality that Rieux is not a Christian is surprising due to the fact that many of the individuals in Oran are. His different religious preferences clearly differentiate him from the individuals in Oran. Furthermore, deeper into the conversation, Dr. Rieux reveals that he shares the same belief system as that of Tarrou-“ human catastrophes have a positive side because they force people to rise above themselves”. Also, Dr. Rieux demonstrates his belief system: believing in God is aimless and the individuals of Oran should concentrate on “defying death”. Dr. Rieux’s beliefs and perceptions demonstrate a clear difference between himself and the individuals of Oran. 

Ghost Town

...

I agree with Lauren the funerals are an essencial part of the story, in showing the progression of the people‘s state of mind. Though in the early days of the plague people attempted to stick to their beliefs, they soon began to realize that practicality was more important than complying with old customs. Religion in the form of religious services are the first to go being that they take up so much time and provide no apparent benefits besides easing people‘s minds. As people become more desperate due to the prolonged duration of the plague they attempt to do every possible little thing in that may have even a slight chance of helping more people survive. Thus, it continues... even coffins are not no longer allowed, they are used for show then recycled. Another example of the priority given to practically in order to help ensure survival.

In response to Lauren again, talking about the decreased level of emotion, I agree that that is something that is occurring, but i think it is important to note that though people have become more indifferent to the event of the town, they still have break downs, and bursts of strong piled up emotion. In the case of Dr. Rieux as i mentioned in a earlier post and just the simple fact of his patients who when losing a loved one break down and succumb to their fear and desperation.

Adaptation-Level Phenomenon

The plague now seems to be acting like an invasive dark cloud that is just finding its way into every aspect of the people's lives. They do not really remember their past, and they have no hopes or dreams for the future. There is not really much to differentiate one from an other. Well, of course, when all you see is people dying and there is no escape, you stop thinking about your interests and even less your personality. What is weird is that as a reader, I have gotten uncomfortably used to the hole notion of that plague and the deaths at Oran. The fact that there is no room at the cemetery and that they are cargo burying people does not phase me. I guess its like what the people in Oran feel. They are no longer so panicky and crazed as they were at the beginning. The adaptation-level phenomenon. People adapt their current situation as their new norm. Their norm, full of disease, loneliness, death and insignificance. They might as well just abide by the rules and ride it out. It is sad but it happens. Inhabitants of countries that are long at war adapt to the fact that they are at war and then cannot imagine what life was like without it. The big black cloud over Oran.

The Decreased Value of Emotion

The town, as it was ravened by the plague, placed less and less value on the emotion of its inhabitants. This can be seen primarily by the decreased value placed on relation during funeral processions. The families go from being able to hold a service to their dead to simply accompanying them to the cemetery, to finally being informed by a government official of the passing of a loved one as the individual was carted off to the cemetery. In times like this, especially once the town had declared martial law, the good of the town is placed over the good of the individual. However, this can lead to problems because individuals make up the town, and if as a whole the individuals are sent into despair by the new laws the town as a whole suffers. The low moral of the town even led to such extremes as good citizens looting and setting fires to their neighbor’s homes. These individuals are described as being perfectly normal but seized by crazy impulse. These crazy impulses come as a result of the new state of the town both as a result of the progression of the plague and the new law system. Individuals are going as far as creating violent encounters with the city limit guards – to the extent that casualties result. In a town where death is so prominent that hangings draw no attention, it is hard to control the citizens – for what do any of them have to loose but their lives? Those of which are in jeopardy by simply living in the city. 

The Funerals

The funerals serve as the largest indicator of the town’s evolution as a result of the plague. At the beginning services were held in churches as families mourned. It slowly progresses to the point where church services are outlawed – not because of a lack of religion but because they slowed down the burial processes. The burial processes evolved for the sake of efficiency and began to disregard family or emotional ties. The banning of church services was only the beginning; it progressed to such a point that coffins were not longer used for each body. Bodies were crammed into coffins at maximum capacity and upon reaching the cemetery gates the families were told to leave. The families, at this point in the progression of the plague, were no longer able to even be present as their loved one was laid to rest. This was not because of a possible health threat but rather because of the shame of the Prefect. The fact that the bodies were then unloaded from the coffins and carried to be stored in sheds and that the coffins were then sterilized and sent back to the hospital to cart more bodies over was a source of shame and embarrassment. At this point the individuals no longer even received their own graves; they used mass graves to bury the bodies. They did, however, console themselves by separating the mass graves by the sexes. The plague further upped its death toll resulting in desperate measures to be taken; past inhabitants of graves were uprooted and cremated making more room of the new bodies. When space completely ran out in the cemetery a car service was hired to drive the plague victims to the crematory. Families were now notified by the government - they had no idea how their loved ones were treated upon death. 

Indifference

The panic is settling down and being replaced by this new coping mechanism, indifference. In these pages of the novel the people have seemed to have given up hope and stopped caring about finally being rid of this plague. All they seem to do is "mark time" (page 189). Unfortunately, all the characters seem to have relapses, there they lose control of their feelings and break down. Rieux is one example. Up until this point we have barely heard of his wife and he has scarcely mentioned her, but he finds himself speaking of her to Grand. Also as he seeing his colleagues scumming to the pressures of their work, he begins to realize the effects the plague has had on him, such as having grown "hard and brittle" (page 192). Rieux realizes that the only means of moving on is close himself off.

This isolation and indifference is the only way to keep going because as a doctor, everyday he goes to see patients, and simply has to tell them that they are going to die. The families beg and plead, but unfortunately there is nothing he can do. It is hard to imagine what it must be like to practically be the executioner of these dying people since they are just condemned to lay in bed isolated from their families to avoid the risk of spreading the disease while there is nothing you can do for them.