Post #2: The End- CRISTINA VALENCIA

As the novel reaches a close, Albert Camus purposely writes on certain scenarios that are so surprising, that I have drawn my attention. When the period of quarantine reaches the end, Othon, who has proved himself an honest man/ volunteer, offers to remain in the camp to help with the anti-plague effort because it would make him feel “less separated” from his son. I find this interesting because his decision leaves a lasting impression on me, the reader. For the first time in the novel, I have an epiphany and come to the realization that this novel does not only explore the effects of this death-defying plague but when the book ends, it also allows reader to analyze the effects of the plague. As I read Othon’s perspective, I realize, that though he has overcome the plague, it is not like he will never have to think of it again. Othon, like many of the people the plague had affected, will never view life the same way again. As a result of the plague, they will forever live in fear of the atrocities life has to offer. Also, all the individuals that survived the plague will be forced to recover from all the loved ones they have lost as a result of the plague. Albert Camus leaves the book on a soft human claiming that it is nature for humans to live through bad experiences but it is their character that defines who they really are, saying that though all the individuals in Oran have lived through this travesity, they still have hope.