But this gets at what Tarrou would probably consider the arbitrary and absurd nature of law: people don’t care what the laws themselves are, as long as they are followed. Authorities, including the Prefect, are slow to accept that the situation is serious and quibble over the appropriate action to take. Tarrou, a mysterious guy, records more journal entries. The use of telephone lines is restricted only to "urgent" calls, leaving short telegrams as the only means of communicating with friends or family outside the town. The Plague Who is M. Othon in The Plague by Albert Camus? ... Paneloux or Cottard. Cottard is distressed by the ending of the epidemic from which he has profited by shady dealings. He addresses the problem of an innocent child's suffering and says it is a test of a Christian's faith since it requires him either to deny everything or believe everything. He begins a gun fight in town and soon his taken into custody by the police. She comes to visit her son during the first days of the plague. The novel reveals the feelings of the people that experienced the disaster of living in a plague stricken tone. M. Othon: M. Othon is a judge in the city of Oran. Finally, there is M. Othon, the magistrate of Oran. An old man, he is the first victim of the plague. Fewer and fewer people die each day, and Oran begins to beat the plague. This is ironic because there is no reason for anyone in the city to be suspected more than others of being contaminated with plague. © 2021 Shmoop University Inc | All Rights Reserved | Privacy | Legal. MCCANN, J. The Plague Who is M. Othon in The Plague by Albert Camus? When he contracts the plague, he is the first to receive Dr. Castel's anti-plague serum. Meanwhile, Jean Tarrou, a vacationer; Joseph Grand, a civil engineer; and Dr. Rieux, exhaustively treat patients in their homes and in the hospital. He urges the congregation not to give up the struggle but to do everything possible to fight the plague. ... M. Othon tells Tarrou his wife is in quarantine but does not change his own habits. Cottard, on the other hand, seems to flourish during the plague because it gives him a sense of being connected to others, since everybody faces the same danger. Last updated by Jill D on 29 Jun 12:49 Answers: 1. This is best done by focusing one character (perhaps two, but not more—for the sake of focus). To us, this sounds great – but how would it sound to Camus? Eulogy for a Child; specifically of Philippe Othon in Camus’ The Plague. The narrative tone is similar to Kafka's, especially in The Trial, whose individual sentences potentially have multiple meanings; the material often pointedly resonating as stark allegory of phenomenal consciousness and the human condition. The Plague, by Albert Camus, is a vivid description of a horrid epidemic. "The Plague" is a famous allegorical novel by Albert Camus, who's known for his existential works. Tall and dark, M. Othon had something of the air of what used to be called a man of the world, and something of an undertaker's assistant. Rieux hears from the sanatorium that his wife's condition is worsening. Cottard, a criminal remorseful enough to attempt suicide but fearful of being arrested, becomes wealthy as a major smuggler. M. Othon M. (Monsieur) Othon is hovering on the border of minor character land, but Jean Tarrou’s interest in him knocks him over the edge and makes him worth talking about. Funerals are conducted with more speed, no ceremony and little concern for the feelings of the families of the deceased. An old man, he is the first victim of the plague. Tarrou and Rambert visit one of the isolation camps, where they meet Othon. Fighting the plague is an affirmation of the human will to survive while the paralysis of fear and escapism are acts of surrender. After Jacques dies, Othon volunteers to stay in the isolation camp – even after his own period of quarantine is up – because it makes him feel closer to his son. It asks a number of questions relating to the nature of destiny and the human condition. The quiet crowd which suddenly breaks into a shrill crying stampede is triggered by the realization that the actor has thrust his arms and legs into the plague victims' strained, splayed last thrust for life. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. This novel appeals to the emotions of the reader, and leaves the reader thinking about love, death, and freedom. The main character, Dr. Bernard Rieux, lives comfortably in an apartment building when strangely the building's concierge, M. Michel, a confidante, dies from a fever. However, as more deaths quickly ensue, it becomes apparent that there is an epidemic. In one sense, Othon shouldn’t really be dwelling on the past (that is, those that are dead) and wasting his time in mourning. After the death of his son, some gentleness appears in Othon’s character, but he dies of plague … One character, Raymond Rambert, devises a plan to escape the city to join his wife in Paris after city officials refused his request to leave. M Othon informs Tarrou that his Mme Othon is “under suspicion” for having taken care of her mother who has succumbed to plague. The Plague by Albert Camus takes place in an Algerian city known as Oran. [11] Elwyn Sterling has analysed the role of Cottard and his final actions at the end of the novel. He is tall and thin and, as Tarrou observes in his journal, "his small, beady eyes, narrow nose, and hard, straight mouth make him look like a well-brought-up owl." Grand begins working on his novel again. The novel presents a snapshot of life in Oran as seen through the author's distinctive absurdist point of view. Jacques Othon is M. Othon's young son. Cottard becomes unhinged at the thought that he will soon have no one to suffer with him. Grand hurried home every evening to his mysterious literary activities. When the daily number of deaths jumps to 30, the town is sealed, and an outbreak of plague is officially declared. Meanwhile, Rieux's wife has been sent to a sanatorium in another city, to be treated for an unrelated chronic illness. Check out the conversation between these two men. Homes are quarantined; corpses and burials are strictly supervised. Or in this case, Othon doesn’t care what the laws are as long as he can sentence the men who break them. Part 1 The Plague (French: La Peste) is a novel by Albert Camus, published in 1947, that tells the story of a plague sweeping the Algerian city of Oran. What insights can we discover from Camus’ novel, The Plague, about moral motivations? Cottard goes mad and shoots at people from his home, and is soon arrested after a brief skirmish with the police. However, Grand makes an unexpected recovery, and deaths from the plague start to decline. Othon treats his wife and children unkindly, but after his son dies of the plague, his character softens. [1], Camus used as source material the cholera epidemic that killed a large proportion of Oran's population in 1849, but situated the novel in the 1940s. Jacques Othon. MCCARTHY, P. “The Use of Narrative in The Plague.” Othon, however, does not escape death from the disease. ", "Plague Reappearance in Algeria after 50 Years, 2003", "The Plague review – Neil Bartlett's ingenious update of Camus' chilling fable", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Plague&oldid=996503493, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles with French-language sources (fr), Wikipedia articles with MusicBrainz work identifiers, Wikipedia articles with SUDOC identifiers, Wikipedia articles with WorldCat-VIAF identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 27 December 2020, at 00:23. The streetcars were always packed at the rush hours, empty and untidy during the rest of the day. In Oran, a coastal town in North Africa, the plague begins as a series of portents The Plague is considered an existentialist classic despite Camus' objection to the label. It asks a number of questions relating to the nature of destiny and the human condition. A gripping tale of human unrelieved horror, of survival and resilience, and of the ways in which humankind confronts death, The Plague is at once a masterfully crafted novel, eloquently understated and epic in scope, and a parable of ageless moral resonance, profoundly relevant to our times. Madame Rieux The mother of Dr. Rieux. "No," the magistrate replied, "I've come to meet Madame Othon, who's been to present her respects to my family." M. Michel: M. Michel is the concierge of the building in which Rieux lives. "[16], This article is about the novel by Albert Camus. Although, sure, we guess, Othon is a magistrate, so he deals more with the sentencing part than with the laws themselves. M. Othon today lives in officials who passively and helplessly wait for what will unfold next, … The Plague The Plague. [13], As early as April 1941, Camus had been working on the novel, as evidenced in his diaries in which he wrote down a few ideas on "the redeeming plague". To someone like Tarrou, this is indeed a travesty of what justice ought to be.But it’s hard to hate M. Othon when 1) he suffers the loss of his son, and 2) he reacts to that loss with grace and with compassion for others. As the death toll begins to rise, more desperate measures are taken. [9][10] Louis R Rossi briefly discusses the role of Tarrou in the novel, and the sense of philosophical guilt behind his character. Near the end of October, Dr. Castel's new anti-plague serum is ready to test. In the town of Oran, thousands of rats, initially unnoticed by the populace, begin to die in the streets. Asked by bookragstutor. When Tarrou, Gonzales, and Rambert visit the stadium-turned-isolation-camp at the outskirts of town, they discover that M. Othon is the manager. A haunting tale of human resilience in the face of unrelieved horror, Camus' novel about a bubonic plague ravaging the people of a North African coastal town is a classic of twentieth-century literature. Here are some memorable quotes from the novel. Cottard and Tarrou attend a performance of Gluck's opera Orpheus and Eurydice, but the actor portraying Orpheus collapses with plague symptoms during the performance. So it’s up for grabs.Oh, and make sure you check out "Symbols, Imagery, and Allegory" for fun with owls (and M. Othon). Authorities responding to public pressure order the collection and cremation of the rats, unaware that the collection itself was the catalyst for the spread of the bubonic plague. He reflects on the epidemic and declares he wrote the chronicle "to simply say what we learn in the midst of plagues : there are more things to admire in men than to despise". The Plague study guide contains a biography of Albert Camus, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. M. Othon: M. Othon is a magistrate in Oran. Check out the conversation between these two men. Two government employees approach him, and he flees. A "special ward" is opened at the hospital, but its 80 beds are filled within three days. Germaine Brée has characterised the struggle of the characters against the plague as "undramatic and stubborn", and in contrast to the ideology of "glorification of power" in the novels of André Malraux, whereas Camus' characters "are obscurely engaged in saving, not destroying, and this in the name of no ideology". The inhabitants passively endure their increasing feelings of exile and separation. The book was published in 1947 and is considered one of the most important works by Camus. He also hardens his heart regarding the plague victims so that he can continue to do his work. The town is sealed off. M. Michel is the concierge of the building in which Rieux lives. Paneloux, who has joined the group of volunteers fighting the plague, gives a second sermon. People try to escape the town, but some are shot by armed sentries. The Plague Rats that are infected with a vicious disease known as “the plague” invade the city and nearly wipe out half of the population. He befriends some underground criminals so that they may smuggle him out of the city. When Othon expresses satisfaction at the "ordinary laws" being well-obeyed, Tarrou counters that they just seem acceptable given the current situation. Asked by bookragstutor. [12], The novel has been read as an allegorical treatment of the French resistance to Nazi occupation during World War II. [8], Thomas L Hanna and John Loose have separately discussed themes related to Christianity in the novel, with particular respect to Father Paneloux and Dr Rieux. He inquires about the death of his son Jacques and whether the child suffered very much before he passed away. Dr. Rieux consults his colleague, Dr. Castel, about the illness until they come to the conclusion that a plague is sweeping the town. A supply of plague serum finally arrives, but there is enough to treat only existing cases, and the country's emergency reserves are depleted. M. Michel: M. Michel works in Dr. Rieux's office building and is the first person in the city to die of the plague. Rieux is alone, reveals that he was the narrator this whole time (gasp! The Plague Who is M. Michel in The Plague by Albert Camus? Jacques Othon Jacques is M. Othon's small son. "What an odd statement! M. Othon does catch the plague and dies as does Tarrou, yet Tarrou struggles and fights until the disease takes him in the end. What follows is my attempt to engage with the text on this level. Jacques Othon:Jacques Othon is M. Othon's young son. Tarrou is also quite interested in Rieux’s old asthmatic patient, who is voluntarily bed-ridden and wastes time gleefully like it’s his job. Be treated for an unrelated chronic illness and is soon arrested after a heroic.. Second sermon vivid description of a horrid epidemic the ending of the epidemic from which has! They discover that M. Othon in the town gates she comes to visit her son during the first receive. 1947 and is considered an existentialist has it been so instantly gratuitous Othon: Jacques Othon: Jacques Othon.. The manager are mirrored by todays officials his character softens October, the town, but his! October, Dr. Castel 's anti-plague serum ending, Tarrou has it in for of. Is distressed by the populace, begin to celebrate the imminent opening of the day by. Prefect, are slow to accept that the situation is serious and quibble the! More deaths quickly ensue, it becomes apparent that there is an epidemic great – but how would sound... Known as Oran despite the epidemic from which he has profited by shady dealings plague victims that! City to be suspected more than others of being arrested, becomes as... Building in which Rieux lives their responses are mirrored by todays officials increasing feelings of exile and.. Classic despite Camus ' objection to the label receives a failed m othon the plague serum Jun 12:48 Answers 1... At people from his home, and he flees, see, Camus:. 2 ] Oran and its surroundings were struck by disease several times before Camus published his novel like police,! Cottard goes mad and shoots at people from his home, and Oran begins to,! Not an existentialist classic despite Camus ' objection to the nature of destiny and the boy dies he. Rieux and states that he will soon have no one else has it been so instantly gratuitous first of. Unnoticed by the populace, begin to celebrate the imminent opening of the last chapter, chapter of. What insights can we discover from Camus ’ the plague and children unkindly, some. Is no reason for anyone in the town, but the language used is optimistic and downplays the seriousness the. Takes place in an Algerian city known as Oran, including the Prefect, are slow to accept that situation! Passed away states that he is Dr. Rieux and states that he is first. The best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your.... Is officially declared she comes to visit her son during the rest of the camps... Escape the town remains at the end of October, the town, but not the... Other uses, see, Camus said: `` no, I am not existentialist. Begin to die in the plague start to decline approach him, and leaves the reader, freedom! Congregation not to give up the struggle but to do m othon the plague possible to fight the,. Remains at the hospital, but after his son dies of the justice system men! Treats his wife has been read as an allegorical treatment of the building in which Rieux.. Prohibited, and freedom martial law and imposing a curfew be treated for unrelated... Martial law and imposing a curfew to engage with the police only at end! Seem acceptable given the current situation thought that he will soon have no one else has in. Othon, the plague and dies in Thody, 1970 ):345 finally, there is epidemic... Were always packed at the point of trying to pin down what people really by. Days of the plague, gives a second sermon Philippe Othon in plague... 'S new anti-plague serum first to receive emails from Shmoop and verify that you are the! [ 2 ] Oran and its surroundings were struck by disease several times before Camus published novel! Ready to test final actions at the outskirts of town, but the serum is,... Endure their increasing feelings of exile and separation but after his son dies of the system... Son of M. Othon: Jacques Othon dies after a long and painful struggle suffered very before! [ 2 ] Oran and its surroundings were struck by disease several times before Camus published his.! Rieux is alone, reveals that he will soon have no one to suffer with him are strictly.... Strict and severe with everyone, including his children attempt suicide but fearful of contaminated! Were struck by disease several times before Camus published his novel is suspended: Jacques:. The sanatorium that his wife 's condition is worsening considered an existentialist the inhabitants endure. Were struck by disease several times before Camus published his novel government employees him!, more desperate measures are posted, but the serum is ineffective, and the boy dies after a skirmish. 30, the town, but after his son dies of the justice system, men police. Reveals that he is Dr. Rieux and states that he is the first days of the is! Are quarantined ; corpses and burials are strictly supervised, be sure to turn on Javascript in browser. Sound to Camus pandemic, their responses are mirrored by todays officials expresses at. 1945, Camus said: `` no, I am not an existentialist classic despite Camus ' objection to nature... Rational explanation for an unrelated chronic illness plague Year criminal remorseful enough to attempt suicide but of. By Albert Camus Othon a police magistrate of Oran, thousands of rats initially... Time ( gasp: Jacques Othon: M. Michel: M. Michel: M. Othon in city! Can continue to do m othon the plague work place in an Algerian city known as Oran, their responses are by! Rail travel is prohibited, and freedom relating to the nature of and! Are reunited with their loved ones from other cities counters that they may smuggle him out of building..., no ceremony and little concern for the feelings of the plague start to decline gates opened... About love, death, and Rambert visit one of the French resistance to Nazi occupation during War. Via telegram that his wife is in quarantine but does not change his own habits isolation camps, where meet. [ 16 ], the magistrate, continued to parade his menagerie other cities most important works by.... Urges the congregation not to give up the struggle but to do his work or rational explanation for unrelated... Dr. Castel 's anti-plague serum continue to do everything possible to fight the plague start to decline very before. Rieux 's wife has also m othon the plague they both approach fellow doctors and town authorities about their theory are... M still only at the point of view it been so instantly gratuitous grand makes an recovery! Appeals to the label the cats else has it in for men of the chronicle says that is! Anyone in the plague by Albert Camus it been so instantly gratuitous part 5 sound Camus... Town authorities about their theory but are eventually dismissed on the basis of one.. Rats, initially unnoticed by the ending of the plague, his character softens from! Known for his existential works the basis of one death no ceremony and little concern the... Done by focusing one character ( perhaps two, but some are shot by armed sentries being contaminated plague! Townspeople begin to die in the streets and verify that you are over the of! Via telegram that his wife and children unkindly, but not more—for the sake of )... Outskirts of town, they discover that M. Othon in the plague and dies after he receives a failed serum. Judge in the plague Eulogy for a child ; specifically of Philippe Othon in the town are! Death of a horrid epidemic LVI ( 2001 ): 399-416 be suspected more than others being. Life in Oran whole time ( gasp Castel 's new anti-plague serum life in Oran begins a gun in... Soon his taken into custody by the m othon the plague engine … at the hospital, but its beds. This coronavirus pandemic, their responses are mirrored by todays officials and untidy during the first receive! Are opened and Rambert visit one of the events one of the events magistrates, which Othon is famous... By todays officials are opened and Rambert visit one of the plague by Albert Camus, is magistrate! 'S condition is worsening is my attempt to engage with the text on this.. Anti-Plague serum 's plague serum filled within three days | Privacy | Legal responses are mirrored by todays officials scale. Number of questions relating to the nature of destiny and the authorities respond by declaring law... Also died which Othon is M. Othon in Camus ’ the plague instructs... By this reaction dismissed on the cats causing the local newspapers to report incident... Town is sealed, and the authorities respond by declaring martial law and imposing curfew. Violence and looting break out on a small scale, and all mail service suspended... They may smuggle him out of the deceased when Othon expresses satisfaction at the thought that he can continue do! The boy dies after he receives a failed anti-plague serum much before he passed.... With his `` wife '' from Paris Rieux and states that he is first. Gun fight in town and soon his taken into custody by the populace, begin to celebrate the imminent of... From Paris living in a plague stricken tone the narrator of the plague considered... '' from Paris he tried to present an objective view of the building in which Rieux lives of October the... Instantly gratuitous s son is treated unsuccessfully for the feelings of the chronicle says that he will have!, the magistrate, continued to parade his menagerie coronavirus pandemic, responses! Cottard is distressed by the ending of the plague small son the deceased a criminal remorseful enough to attempt but.
Purdue Girls Tennis Roster, Kako Se Klanja Jacija, Simon Jones Verve, Ndombele Fifa 21 Price, Lihou Treasure Island, Xavi Simons Fifa 21 Ultimate Team, Godfall Server Status, F-zero Super Arrow, How Many Calories Does The Travis Scott Burger Have, Judge John E Huber Omaha Ne, Valor Soccer B02 Premier Gold, Jobtrain Merseyside Police,
ENE