The Plague

An existential novel set in Oran, which is suddenly struck by an outbreak of a plague. Dr. Bernard Rieux, who is at the forefront of the battle against the disease, as well as other townspeople whose lives are deeply affected by the epidemic, talks about human suffering, existential meaning, and the absurdity of life. Camus uses the plague as a metaphor for the arbitrary and uncontrollable forces that govern human existence. As the town is sealed off and people grapple with the horror and uncertainty of the disease, Camus talks about themes of isolation, human solidarity, and the inevitability of death. The characters' reactions to the plague, ranging from denial to resistance, reflect different philosophical perspectives on how people confront suffering and meaninglessness in life. The novel explores the human condition in the face of existential crisis. It reflects Camus' philosophy of the absurd, the idea that life is inherently meaningless, and yet humans must continue to live and act despite this.