The Plague

With spring turning to summer in a city now closed off from all incoming and outgoing traffic, Oran’s residents grow acutely aware that “from now on, […] plague was a concern of all of us” (32). They are in complete isolation from the outside world, especially from the motherland—France—as Rieux is reminded upon passing Oran’s statue of the Republic. Due to the highly infectious and fatal nature of plague, city officials have even banned phone calls and letters to hinder the spread of bacteria. Unable to communicate with family members, friends, and loved ones except by telegrams limited to 10 words, Oranians become increasingly dejected and prone to alternating fits of loneliness and anxiety. Deprived of outward stimulation, they grow so enveloped in their fear that they begin to distrust others.

Rieux toils to treat the daily influx of patients, while others in his circle attend to their various concerns. Rambert, a Parisian journalist trapped in Oran, implores Rieux to assist him in clandestinely fleeing to Paris to join his wife; at Rieux’s refusal—due to ethical considerations—Rambert seeks the help of a smuggler. Cottard, whose anxiety has temporarily waned, revels in Oran’s isolation as quarantine provides him with opportunities to earn hefty profits on the black market.