The Plague Philosophical Viewpoints: The Absurd, Existentialism, Humanism Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph). We used Stuart Gilbert's translation.

Quote #4

Also, he had the walk of a shy young priest, sidling along walls and slipping mouselike into doorways, and he exuded a faint odor of smoke and basement rooms; in short, he had all the attributes of insignificance. (1.6.20)

Grand lives a life of insignificance – at first. We will later see how the man grows as a result of his experiences in The Plague.

Quote #5

An animated conversation was in progress and the woman behind the counter started airing her views about a murder case that had created some stir in Algiers. A young commercial employee had killed an Algerian on a beach. (1.8.25)

People die everywhere in meaningless tragedies – Oran is not the only place to suffer from the world’s indifference.

Quote #6

When Rieux entered the room, the old man was sitting up in bed, at his usual occupation, counting out dried peas from one pan to another. On seeing his visitor he looked up, beaming with delight. (1.8.68)

The asthma patient passes his life with the most meaningless and trivial occupation – yet, like Tarrou’s cat-spitting neighbor, he delights in his pursuits.