Part 4: Chapter 6 Summary

The camp that Tarrou writes about in detail in chapter 5 is only one of many. Morale is very low, people are concerned and frightened, and riots break out.

It is November now, and Tarrou accompanies Rieux on a visit to the old asthma patient. While there, they go upstairs to the terrace of the house, which gives a pleasing night-time view of the area around the town, including the cliffs where they can see the reflection of a lighthouse that guides ships around Oran's bay. This reminds the doctor and his friend once more of their extreme isolation. It proves to be a brief retreat from the horrors of the plague.

Tarrou takes advantage of the opportunity to reveal the facts of his life to his friend. He tells of a pleasant youthful period as the son of a successful prosecuting...