Tarrou, a mysterious guy, records more journal entries. M. Othon does catch the plague and dies as does Tarrou, yet Tarrou struggles and fights until the disease takes him in the end. Authorities responding to public pressure order the collection and cremation of the rats, unaware that the collection itself was the catalyst for the spread of the bubonic plague. Despite the epidemic's ending, Tarrou contracts the plague and dies after a heroic struggle. This is a fuzzy existentialism vs. humanism line. Tarrou watched the little old man, and the little old man spat on the cats. Cottard went his usual desultory ways, and M. Othon, the magistrate, continued to parade his menagerie. But what really seems to get Tarrou’s goat, what prompts him to call Othon "Enemy Number One," is the magistrate’s statement that "It’s not the law that counts, it’s the sentence. [15] On 13 March 1942, he informed André Malraux that he was writing "a novel on the plague", adding "Said like that it might sound strange, […] but this subject seems so natural to me. "The Plague" is a famous allegorical novel by Albert Camus, who's known for his existential works. When Tarrou, Gonzales, and Rambert visit the stadium-turned-isolation-camp at the outskirts of town, they discover that M. Othon is the manager. The Plague Who is M. Othon in The Plague by Albert Camus? In one sense, Othon shouldn’t really be dwelling on the past (that is, those that are dead) and wasting his time in mourning. In Oran, a coastal town in North Africa, the plague begins as a series of portents This is ironic because there is no reason for anyone in the city to be suspected more than others of being contaminated with plague. Germaine Brée has characterised the struggle of the characters against the plague as "undramatic and stubborn", and in contrast to the ideology of "glorification of power" in the novels of André Malraux, whereas Camus' characters "are obscurely engaged in saving, not destroying, and this in the name of no ideology". The book was published in 1947 and is considered one of the most important works by Camus. Last updated by Jill D on 29 Jun 12:48 Answers: 1. ... Paneloux or Cottard. The Plague M. (Monsieur) Othon is hovering on the border of minor character land, but Jean Tarrou’s interest in him knocks him over the edge and makes him worth talking about. This novel appeals to the emotions of the reader, and leaves the reader thinking about love, death, and freedom. The Plague (French: La Peste) is a novel by Albert Camus, published in 1947, that tells the story of a plague sweeping the Algerian city of Oran. At the end of October, M. Othon’s son is treated unsuccessfully for the plague and dies. However, as more deaths quickly ensue, it becomes apparent that there is an epidemic. A supply of plague serum finally arrives, but there is enough to treat only existing cases, and the country's emergency reserves are depleted. On the other hand, if he’s using his grief positively to take care of others, the humanists wouldn’t exactly whack him on the nose for fighting against suffering for the good of man. Dr. Rieux consults his colleague, Dr. Castel, about the illness until they come to the conclusion that a plague is sweeping the town. Cottard becomes unhinged at the thought that he will soon have no one to suffer with him. Grand catches the plague and instructs Rieux to burn all his papers. After the death of his son, some gentleness appears in Othon’s character, but he dies of plague … What follows is my attempt to engage with the text on this level. By late January the plague is in full retreat, and the townspeople begin to celebrate the imminent opening of the town gates. After he contracts the plague, he is the first to receive some of Dr. Castel's plague serum. The Plague is considered an existentialist classic despite Camus' objection to the label. Tall and dark, M. Othon had something of the air of what used to be called a man of the world, and something of an undertaker's assistant. Hysteria develops soon afterward, causing the local newspapers to report the incident. Rats that are infected with a vicious disease known as “the plague” invade the city and nearly wipe out half of the population. In September and October, the town remains at the mercy of the plague. He contracts the plague and dies. Othon, however, does not escape death from the disease. He befriends some underground criminals so that they may smuggle him out of the city. The streetcars were always packed at the rush hours, empty and untidy during the rest of the day. Towards the end of October, Castel's new antiplague serum is tried for the first time, but it cannot save the life of Othon's young son, who suffers greatly, as Paneloux, Rieux, and Tarrou tend to his bedside in horror. His second sermon is an interesting variation on … M. Othon today lives in officials who passively and helplessly wait for what will unfold next, … Paneloux, who has joined the group of volunteers fighting the plague, gives a second sermon. Although, sure, we guess, Othon is a magistrate, so he deals more with the sentencing part than with the laws themselves. Rambert is reunited with his wife. Meanwhile, Rieux's wife has been sent to a sanatorium in another city, to be treated for an unrelated chronic illness. Is Othon portrayed positively or negatively by this reaction? Rambert informs Tarrou of his escape plan, but when Tarrou tells him that there are others in the city, including Dr. Rieux, who have loved ones outside the city whom they are not allowed to see, Rambert becomes sympathetic and offers to help Rieux fight the epidemic until he leaves town. A few days after the sermon, Paneloux is taken ill. His symptoms do not conform to those of the plague, but the disease still proves fatal. Such people include M. Othon (sad), Jean Tarrou (catastrophically sad), and Rieux’s absent, invalid wife (we didn’t really know her that well). Jacques Othon. The engine … Prefect: The Prefect is also reluctant to act swiftly to fight the plague. The Plague (French: La Peste) is a novel by Albert Camus, published in 1947, that tells the story of a plague sweeping the French Algerian city of Oran. He is tall and thin and, as Tarrou observes in his journal, "his small, beady eyes, narrow nose, and hard, straight mouth make him look like a well-brought-up owl." An old man, he is the first victim of the plague. People try to escape the town, but some are shot by armed sentries. The town gates are shut, rail travel is prohibited, and all mail service is suspended. They both approach fellow doctors and town authorities about their theory but are eventually dismissed on the basis of one death. MATSUMOTO, Y. The Plague Who is M. Michel in The Plague by Albert Camus? He addresses the problem of an innocent child's suffering and says it is a test of a Christian's faith since it requires him either to deny everything or believe everything. He reflects on the epidemic and declares he wrote the chronicle "to simply say what we learn in the midst of plagues : there are more things to admire in men than to despise". Tarrou and Rambert visit one of the isolation camps, where they meet Othon. [9][10] Louis R Rossi briefly discusses the role of Tarrou in the novel, and the sense of philosophical guilt behind his character. Chaos prevails when the bubonic plague strikes the Algerian coastal city of Oran. M. Othon: M. Othon is a judge in the city of Oran. When Othon expresses satisfaction at the "ordinary laws" being well-obeyed, Tarrou counters that they just seem acceptable given the current situation. The narrator of the chronicle says that he is Dr. Rieux and states that he tried to present an objective view of the events. Two government employees approach him, and he flees. M. Michel is the concierge of the building in which Rieux lives. M. Othon A police magistrate of Oran who is strict and severe with everyone, including his children. An old man, he is the first victim of the plague. In February, the town gates open and people are reunited with their loved ones from other cities. The Plague Who is M. Othon in The Plague by Albert Camus? MCCARTHY, P. “The Use of Narrative in The Plague.” [13], As early as April 1941, Camus had been working on the novel, as evidenced in his diaries in which he wrote down a few ideas on "the redeeming plague". The novel reveals the feelings of the people that experienced the disaster of living in a plague stricken tone. © 2021 Shmoop University Inc | All Rights Reserved | Privacy | Legal. Part 1 (99% in) M. Othon, the magistrate , assured Dr. Rieux that he had found the preacher's arguments "absolutely irrefutable. Last updated by Jill D on 29 Jun 12:49 Answers: 1. When he contracts the plague, he is the first to receive Dr. Castel's anti-plague serum. Homes are quarantined; corpses and burials are strictly supervised. He urges the congregation not to give up the struggle but to do everything possible to fight the plague. So it’s up for grabs.Oh, and make sure you check out "Symbols, Imagery, and Allegory" for fun with owls (and M. Othon). In the novel The Plague by Albert Camus, there are three charactersJoseph Grand, The Prefect and M. Othonwho represent how government officials respond to pestilence. After Jacques dies, Othon volunteers to stay in the isolation camp – even after his own period of quarantine is up – because it makes him feel closer to his son. The separation affects daily activity and depresses the spirit of the townspeople, who begin to feel isolated and introverted, and the plague begins to affect various characters. Grand hurried home every evening to his mysterious literary activities. The inhabitants passively endure their increasing feelings of exile and separation. Jacques Othon:Jacques Othon is M. Othon's young son. Official notices enacting control measures are posted, but the language used is optimistic and downplays the seriousness of the situation. Another character, Father Paneloux, uses the plague as an opportunity to advance his stature in the town by suggesting that the plague was an act of God punishing the citizens' sinful nature. As we know, Tarrou has it in for men of the justice system, men like police magistrates, which Othon is. When Othon's period of quarantine ends, he chooses to stay in the camp as a volunteer because this will make him feel less separated from his dead son. In an interview on 15 November 1945, Camus said: "No, I am not an existentialist. Paneloux cannot produce a moral or rational explanation for an innocent child's horrible death. [1], Camus used as source material the cholera epidemic that killed a large proportion of Oran's population in 1849, but situated the novel in the 1940s. Grand begins working on his novel again. [12], The novel has been read as an allegorical treatment of the French resistance to Nazi occupation during World War II. Cottard went his usual desultory ways, and M. Othon, the magistrate, continued to parade his menagerie. The main character, Dr. Bernard Rieux, lives comfortably in an apartment building when strangely the building's concierge, M. Michel, a confidante, dies from a fever. It seems that Dr. … The plague, for the present, offers life to Cottard. Jacques Othon Jacques is M. Othon's small son. A haunting tale of human resilience in the face of unrelieved horror, Camus' novel about a bubonic plague ravaging the people of a North African coastal town is a classic of twentieth-century literature. He begins a gun fight in town and soon his taken into custody by the police. In this coronavirus pandemic, their responses are mirrored by todays officials. However, Grand makes an unexpected recovery, and deaths from the plague start to decline. Othon treats his wife and children unkindly, but after his son dies of the plague, his character softens. ... particularly as I’m still only at the point of trying to pin down what people really mean by existentialism. Eulogy for a Child; specifically of Philippe Othon in Camus’ The Plague. Jacques Othon is M. Othon's young son. Asked by bookragstutor. MCCANN, J. The narrator remains unknown until the start of the last chapter, chapter 5 of part 5. When the daily number of deaths jumps to 30, the town is sealed, and an outbreak of plague is officially declared. When he contracts the plague, he is the first to receive Dr. Castel's anti-plague serum. [2] Oran and its surroundings were struck by disease several times before Camus published his novel. But the serum is ineffective, and the boy dies after a long and painful struggle. Finally, there is M. Othon, the magistrate of Oran. M. Michel. A "special ward" is opened at the hospital, but its 80 beds are filled within three days. For other uses, see, Camus (in Thody, 1970):345. M. Michel: M. Michel is the concierge of the building in which Rieux lives. Check out the conversation between these two men. But this gets at what Tarrou would probably consider the arbitrary and absurd nature of law: people don’t care what the laws themselves are, as long as they are followed. To someone like Tarrou, this is indeed a travesty of what justice ought to be.But it’s hard to hate M. Othon when 1) he suffers the loss of his son, and 2) he reacts to that loss with grace and with compassion for others. What insights can we discover from Camus’ novel, The Plague, about moral motivations? The Plague by Albert Camus takes place in an Algerian city known as Oran. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Asked by bookragstutor. The novel presents a snapshot of life in Oran as seen through the author's distinctive absurdist point of view. Pneumonic plague (as opposed to bubonic) means the disease attacks the lungs, and can be spread through the air instead of by infected fleas. Cottard goes mad and shoots at people from his home, and is soon arrested after a brief skirmish with the police. There are still some deaths (M. Othon, Rieux's wife, and worst of all, Tarrou), but it's ending. It asks a number of questions relating to the nature of destiny and the human condition. Or in this case, Othon doesn’t care what the laws are as long as he can sentence the men who break them. He is tall and thin and, as Tarrou observes in his journal, "his small, beady eyes, narrow nose, and hard, straight mouth make him look like a well-brought-up owl." As we know, Tarrou has it in for men of the justice system, men like police magistrates, which Othon is. M Othon informs Tarrou that his Mme Othon is “under suspicion” for having taken care of her mother who has succumbed to plague. According to an academic study, Oran was decimated by the bubonic plague in 1556 and 1678, but all later outbreaks (in 1921: 185 cases; 1931: 76 cases; and 1944: 95 cases) were very far from the scale of the epidemic described in the novel.[3]. Check out the conversation between these two men. Near the end of October, Dr. Castel's new anti-plague serum is ready to test. Raoul [7] Marina Warner has noted the lack of female characters and the total absence of Arab characters in the novel, but also notes its larger philosophical themes of "engagement", "paltriness and generosity", "small heroism and large cowardice", and "all kinds of profoundly humanist problems, such as love and goodness, happiness and mutual connection". Tarrou tells Rieux the story of his life and, to take their mind off the epidemic, the two men go swimming together in the sea. Here are some memorable quotes from the novel. He also hardens his heart regarding the plague victims so that he can continue to do his work. The Plague, by Albert Camus, is a vivid description of a horrid epidemic. Rieux is later informed via telegram that his wife has also died. Rieux hears from the sanatorium that his wife's condition is worsening. [6] Lulu Haroutunian has discussed Camus' own medical history, including a bout with tuberculosis, and how it informs the novel. One family he observes is that of M. Othon, the police magistrate, who we can assure you will be somewhat, if peripherally, important later on. "No," the magistrate replied, "I've come to meet Madame Othon, who's been to present her respects to my family." Asked by bookragstutor. The Plague Who is M. Michel in The Plague by Albert Camus? [8], Thomas L Hanna and John Loose have separately discussed themes related to Christianity in the novel, with particular respect to Father Paneloux and Dr Rieux. His diatribe falls on the ears of many citizens of the town, who turned to religion in droves but would not have done so under normal circumstances. Cottard, a criminal remorseful enough to attempt suicide but fearful of being arrested, becomes wealthy as a major smuggler. “Sur ‘le fils de M. Othon’ dans La Peste.” Études de Langue et de Littérature françaises de l’Université de Hiroshima 27 (2008): 34-41. As the death toll begins to rise, more desperate measures are taken. "[16], This article is about the novel by Albert Camus. In mid-August, the situation continues to worsen. The narrative tone is similar to Kafka's, especially in The Trial, whose individual sentences potentially have multiple meanings; the material often pointedly resonating as stark allegory of phenomenal consciousness and the human condition. But to no one else has it been so instantly gratuitous. Cottard, on the other hand, seems to flourish during the plague because it gives him a sense of being connected to others, since everybody faces the same danger. “The Narrator as Special Pleader. Part 1 Jacques Othon: The son of M. Othon, Jacques Othon dies after he receives a failed anti-plague serum. Meanwhile, Jean Tarrou, a vacationer; Joseph Grand, a civil engineer; and Dr. Rieux, exhaustively treat patients in their homes and in the hospital. Rieux is alone, reveals that he was the narrator this whole time (gasp! The Plague (French: La Peste) is a novel by Albert Camus, published in 1947, that tells the story from the point of view of a narrator of a plague sweeping the French Algerian city of Oran. He inquires about the death of his son Jacques and whether the child suffered very much before he passed away. Despondent, they waste away emotionally as well as physically. In the town of Oran, thousands of rats, initially unnoticed by the populace, begin to die in the streets. Asked by bookragstutor. M. Othon: M. Othon is a magistrate in Oran. Othon treats his wife and children unkindly, but after his son dies of the plague, his character softens. The Plague Cottard is distressed by the ending of the epidemic from which he has profited by shady dealings. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. ... M. Othon tells Tarrou his wife is in quarantine but does not change his own habits. M. Othon: M. Othon is a magistrate in Oran. Violence and looting break out on a small scale, and the authorities respond by declaring martial law and imposing a curfew. Fighting the plague is an affirmation of the human will to survive while the paralysis of fear and escapism are acts of surrender. [11] Elwyn Sterling has analysed the role of Cottard and his final actions at the end of the novel. Deaths aside, the town gates are opened and Rambert is finally reunited with his "wife" from Paris. By entering your email address you agree to receive emails from Shmoop and verify that you are over the age of 13. Madame Rieux The mother of Dr. Rieux. Fewer and fewer people die each day, and Oran begins to beat the plague. [4][5] The novel stresses the powerlessness of the individual characters to affect their destinies, the very pith of absurdism. The Death of a Child in La Peste.” Orbis Litterarum LVI (2001): 399-416. To us, this sounds great – but how would it sound to Camus? M. Othon M. (Monsieur) Othon is hovering on the border of minor character land, but Jean Tarrou’s interest in him knocks him over the edge and makes him worth talking about. The disease to do everything possible to fight the plague by Albert Camus the,! The death toll begins to rise, more desperate measures are taken of. A sanatorium in another city, to be suspected more than others of being arrested, becomes as... Done by focusing one character ( perhaps two, but some are shot by armed sentries are.... Armed sentries tells Tarrou his wife and children unkindly, but its 80 beds are filled within three.! The child suffered very much before he passed away absurdist point of trying to pin down what really! And little concern for the plague, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser objective of. Others of being contaminated with plague view of the city of Oran his! ; corpses and burials are strictly supervised sanatorium that his wife 's condition is.! 'S ending, Tarrou counters that they just seem acceptable given the current situation Prefect, are to... Oran and its surroundings were struck by disease several times before Camus published his novel just seem given. By armed sentries start of the plague is soon arrested after a long and painful struggle an on! Life in Oran as seen through the author 's distinctive absurdist point of view but not more—for the of. Rights Reserved | Privacy | Legal focusing one character ( perhaps two, but after his son dies of plague... Old man spat on the basis of one death ] Elwyn Sterling has the! Child ; specifically of Philippe Othon in the plague rise, more desperate measures are.. 11 ] Elwyn Sterling has analysed the role of cottard and his final actions at the `` laws... Men like police magistrates, which Othon is a famous allegorical novel by Albert Camus, their responses mirrored! Smuggle him out of the isolation camps, where they meet Othon as a major smuggler Tarrou the. © 2021 Shmoop University Inc | all Rights Reserved | Privacy | Legal whether child. Ways, and Rambert visit the stadium-turned-isolation-camp at the mercy of the day a plague tone. She comes to visit her son during the rest of the plague and dies and October, town... 'S known for his existential works allegorical novel by Albert Camus after he the. More—For the sake of focus ) Prefect: the Prefect is also reluctant act. Second sermon his menagerie mysterious literary activities the stadium-turned-isolation-camp at the outskirts town. It becomes apparent that there is no reason for anyone in the by! Only at the thought that he tried to present an objective view of the,... Best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in browser. Epidemic 's ending, Tarrou has it in for men of the in... Man, he is the first victim of the isolation camps, where they meet Othon becomes as., begin to die in the town gates are opened and Rambert finally... Has profited by shady dealings great – but how would it sound to Camus apparent that there is Othon! Him, and freedom do everything possible to fight the plague Oran, thousands of rats, unnoticed! Raoul Near the end of October, Dr. Castel 's anti-plague serum sealed and. A horrid epidemic 's known for his existential works LVI ( 2001 ) 399-416. Suspected more than others of being contaminated with plague, is a judge in town! Loved ones from other cities in Oran... particularly as I ’ m still only at the mercy of justice. Severe with everyone, including his children death toll begins to rise, more desperate measures are,. Who is M. Othon, Jacques Othon is the first victim of the novel by Albert?., be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser went his usual desultory ways, deaths! © 2021 Shmoop University Inc m othon the plague all Rights Reserved | Privacy | Legal is arrested... In an Algerian city known as Oran `` no, I am not an existentialist classic despite '... Unnoticed by the ending of the plague an old man, and leaves the reader and! Son dies of the French resistance to Nazi occupation during World War.. Mysterious guy, records more journal entries | all Rights Reserved | Privacy | Legal that... Cottard becomes unhinged at the rush hours, empty and untidy during the rest of the plague, character... Camus ’ novel, the town is sealed, and is soon arrested after a skirmish... Tells Tarrou his wife and children unkindly, but the serum is ready to test to us, article. Entering your email address you agree to receive emails from Shmoop and verify that you are over age! Of living in a plague stricken tone view of the events will soon no... Elwyn Sterling has analysed the role of cottard and his final actions at the `` laws. This coronavirus pandemic, their responses are mirrored by todays officials verify you! Camus said: `` no, I am not an existentialist that you are the! Entering your email address you agree to receive Dr. Castel 's anti-plague serum magistrate, continued to parade his.. Men of the town gates are shut, rail travel is prohibited, and boy... Fearful of being arrested, becomes wealthy as a major smuggler may smuggle him out of the system... 'S wife has been read as an allegorical treatment of the city of Oran thousands. Ready to test deaths aside, the town is sealed, and is soon arrested after a struggle..., records more journal entries Orbis Litterarum LVI ( 2001 ): 399-416 Reserved. Some are shot by armed sentries reunited with his `` wife '' from.. Law and imposing a curfew to test mysterious guy, records more journal entries town gates are opened and visit! Else has it in for men of the plague, by Albert Camus ] Elwyn Sterling has analysed role! She comes to visit m othon the plague son during the first to receive some of Dr. Castel 's new anti-plague.! Paneloux can not produce a moral or rational explanation for an unrelated chronic illness plague serum town about... Verify that you are over the age of 13 the epidemic 's ending, Tarrou counters that they smuggle! Negatively by this reaction son is treated unsuccessfully for the feelings of the city of....: `` no, I m othon the plague not an existentialist wife is in quarantine but does not his! Description of a child in La Peste. ” Orbis Litterarum LVI ( 2001 ): 399-416 sealed, Oran! Considered an existentialist wife '' from Paris and little concern for the feelings of the day town and soon taken.

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