The Metaphor of the Plague

Cottard and Tarrou go to see a plague. As previously pointed out in the book Tarrou is interested in Cottard because not only does he not seem to mind the plague, but he appears to be prospering as a result of it. This is all because not, that the town has fallen into complete disarray, he will not be arrested for whatever crime he committed. While other wish for the plague to leave the town, Cottard enjoys its presence. Enjoying his time, he invited Tarrou to go to an Opera. While in the Opera house they observe the lengths many have gone to in an effort to impress, as if “evening dress was a sure charm against plague” (200). There is irony in how, because the opera group is trapped in the town as a result of the plague, the town gains an escape from the plague in watching the operas. Inside the opera house people act as they would in the absence of the plague – dressing grandly, making an entrance to impress those around them. They try and cling to the things they found important before the plague devastated the town. However, as it has in all aspects of life, the plague finds its way into the Opera – effectively destroying all relief the citizens have from it. At first the actor simply looks as if he is taking creative license, however, it becomes apparent he is a victim when he “stagger[s] grotesquely to the footlights, his arms and legs splaying out under his antique robe”  (200). This scene is the “dramatic picture of [Cottar and Tarrou’s] life in those days, the plague on the stage in the guise of a disarticulated mummer, and in the auditorium the toys of luxury, so futile now, forgotten fans and lace shawls derelict on the red plush seats” (201).