Part 4: Chapter 2 Summary

At the moment when the possibility of escape becomes a reality, Rambert realizes that he must stay and help fight the plague if he is to live with his conscience.

Part 4: Chapter 2 Analysis

We have already seen that the character of Rambert is to some extent autobiographical. His struggle with doing the right thing as opposed to doing what will give him happiness is a reflection of the struggles that Camus experienced in his own life and career. The fact that the journalist made the choice to join his friends in the fight to overcome the evil of the plague is an indication of the choices that Camus has made in his own life. It also provides an underscoring of the choices theme—Rieux has turned his back on happiness with his wife to fulfilling his duty and responsibilities to the...