Part 4: Chapter 7 Summary

There is no letup in December although the plague has become almost entirely the pneumonic variety. The only change that Rieux sees is that the patients seem more interested in cooperating in their treatment, asking him what is best to be done for them. This cooperation on the part of the patients eases the burden on the doctor somewhat because he no longer feels he is fighting the disease alone.

M. Othon's release from the camp has been delayed due to a mistake, and Rieux steps in to get him out. However, Othon wants to go back to the camp and work as a volunteer, saying it makes him feel closer to his son. Rieux sees that a change has occurred in the police officer. He is no longer so hard, formal, and inflexible.

Rieux hears that Grand is not doing...