Composition based on the novel by A. Camus "The Plague"
Throughout its thousand-year history, humanity has experienced many horrors and troubles. Fundamental principles and values could not withstand the onslaught of time. Man turned out to be selfish and cruel, and nature is full of disasters.
However, the whole horror of life was known to mankind only in the 20th century. During and after World War II, man showed his worst features. The old concepts of philosophy have become unnecessary. Albert Camus became the new spiritual leader of the post-war period.
The novel-parable "The Plague" is the most famous in the work of Camus. Literally, the novel tells about a French city in North Africa, in which a plague epidemic broke out. But in fact, this is just an allegory for the struggle against fascism in Europe. Although, the main idea of the novel is the fight against any evil.
The work has a chronicle structure. The narrator, and at the same time the main character, is Rie, the doctor. As a highly rational person, he trusts only facts. Therefore, he presents the essence of events in the same manner - with minimal embellishment of the situation. Rie also realizes that it is almost impossible to fight the plague. But despite this, he still fearlessly risks himself in order to save lives.
The city is full of rats that infect people and then die themselves. Hundreds of people die. Various quarantine measures are being introduced. However, much more terrible than the disease itself and the horrors associated with it is how people change under its yoke. They become indifferent and start having fun, hoping it will keep them safe. The author says in plain text that the plague kills not only the body, but also the soul. Yes, he still claims that people are naturally "rather good than evil", however, they are subject to decay. Camus also tells humanity that it is necessary to fight evil, despite the fact that it seems invincible.
Dr. Rie is not alone in his courage. There are other heroes doing their duty: Rambert, Gran, Tarrou - they also sacrifice their comfort for the sake of other people's lives.
Especially interesting in this regard is Rambert - a Parisian journalist. He, remaining in the city seized by the plague, at first tries to leave it in order to return to his beloved. But then he realizes that he can be useful here: Rambert began to work as an orderly.
Camus chose the plague for a reason. Still, the plague bacteria can lurk for years, for example, in furniture. And then start sending hordes of rats to destroy all living things. However, the novel "The Plague" ended rather well. Although in fact, everyone who was in this city will remember the horrors of the epidemic until the end of their lives.
But the most important evil - universal - is hiding somewhere within the walls of our cities. She lurks, waiting in the wings. And it will come out in the form of various wars, crises and other horrors.
And what hint does Camus give to humanity? "For a person without blinkers, there is no more beautiful sight than the consciousness of unity with reality, which wins."
