Who is responsible for whom? Is a prisoner the responsibility of an uninvolved individual? Can individuals with diverse backgrounds hold the same ideals of the same crimes to identical extents? Within the pages of The Guest, Albert Camus presents to the literary world a challenge. The question put to mankind is, again, as it was with Cain of Biblical times: "Am I my brother's keeper?" (Genesis)

From atop his monastic quiescence Daru assumes the ideal role for his world. He is a teacher detached from the rigors of a politically dictated existence. He is free to expound upon the truths held archetype within self. His freedom is everyone's freedom. His classroom is everyone's classroom . . . until Balducci, the gendarme, arrives with a prisoner. An Arab prisoner is thrust upon Daru with instructions. Politics, ethics, and duty are placed into the same classroom as Balducci virtually drags the prisoner inside. Having been tortuously led as a sheep to slaughter, the Arab has been walking for at least one-hour covering three kilometers, three kilometers up the long winding landscape to Daru's classroom.

Upon arriving at the warmth of the sch

ool, both Balducci and the Arab enter. The gruffness of the guard is morally offensive to the reader. Nevertheless, for a murderer, is there any leniency? It depends on the world from which the responsibility originates. For Daru, his social milieu is his own. For Balducci, France is the governing body. For the Arab, the only hope is Allah.

In the hours that follow, Daru inquires, "Does he speak French? Is he against us? Why did he kill?" (Camus 1898-1899) The subjectivity of the Arab to French, or Daru's for that matter, authority is in question. Balducci leaves the schoolhouse for the night, leaving Daru and the Arab to themselves. After retiring, Daru remains awake for an inordinately long time. As he lies on his mat awaiting sleep, he hears the Arab lift himself. His first thought, "He's running away. Good riddance!" (Camus 1903) Again, Daru hears the Arab lift himself and the door opens. Camus places the judging role in the arena of the reader. Will a murderous Arab bound for prison and death, escape? Daru drifts into a peaceful sleep in order for the reader to consider the situation.

In the morning, Daru arises only to find the Arab sleeping soundly. After being shaken awake, washing up, and preparing, Daru and the Arab begin their journey to Tinguit. The journey begins without animosity between Daru and the Arab. He has no quarrel with the prisoner. Camus is again able to present the reader with moral decisions. The invocation of honor is pre

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1002
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)