The Plague
Back of the Book
The townspeople of Oran are in the grip of a deadly plague, which condemns its victims to a swift and horrifying death. Fear, isolation, and claustrophobia follow as they are forced into quarantine. Each person responds in their own way to the lethal disease: some resign themselves to fate, some seek blame, and a few, like Dr. Rieux, resist the terror.
An immediate triumph when it was published in 1947, The Plague is in part an allegory of France's suffering under the Nazi occupation, as well as a timeless story of bravery and determination against the precariousness of human existence. In this fresh yet careful translation, award-winning translator Laura Marris breathes new life into Albert Camus's ever-resonant tale. Restoring the restrained lyricism of the original French text, and liberating it from the archaisms and assumptions of the previous English translation, Marris grants English readers the closest access we have ever had to the meaning and searing beauty of The Plague.
Why You Should Read It
The Plague stands as a philosophical and existential exploration of the human condition in the face of adversity. Set in the fictional town of Oran, the novel grapples with the outbreak of a deadly plague, serving as both a gripping narrative and a metaphorical examination of the nature of suffering and the absurdity of existence. Camus weaves a tale that transcends its immediate context, inviting readers to ponder profound questions about morality, resilience, and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe. The strength of the novel lies in Camus' keen observations, evocative prose, and his ability to illuminate the complexities of human response to crisis. For those who appreciate literature that provokes contemplation on the fundamental aspects of human existence, The Plague is a compelling and thought-provoking work that leaves a lasting impact on its readers.
Memorable Passage
The evil in the world comes almost always from ignorance, and goodwill can cause as much damage as ill-will if it is not enlightened. People are more often good than bad, though in fact that is not the question. But they are more or less ignorant and this is what one calls vice or virtue, the most appalling vice being the ignorance that thinks it knows everything and which consequently authorizes itself to kill. The murderer's soul is blind, and there is no true goodness or fine love without the greatest possible degree of clear-sightedness.
About the Author
Albert Camus, born on November 7, 1913, in French Algeria, became a Nobel Prize-winning writer and philosopher. His literary legacy, encompassing renowned works such as The Stranger and The Plague, solidified his position as a key figure in existentialist thought. Camus's exploration of absurdism, a philosophy that confronts life's inherent meaninglessness, has left an enduring impact on both literature and philosophy. Throughout his life, from his early days in Algeria to his intellectual engagement in the mid-20th century, Camus not only penned thought-provoking narratives but also actively participated in the debates of his time. His advocacy for justice and human rights underscored his commitment to societal concerns. Tragically, Albert Camus' life was cut short in a car accident on January 4, 1960. Despite his untimely departure, his body of work and the philosophical questions he posed continue to resonate, making him a figure worth remembering in the annals of literature and existential thought.
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