Throughout this novel, we watch Rieux continuously care for the sick and struggle to stay strong for those who look to him for help and comfort. He is in many ways the anchor of the novel, a center point, not only because of his position as the narrator, but because of his continued support of all the other characters. Toward the end of this epidemic, though, we see Rieux start to question what has come of his efforts while he has survived and so many have not. Looking at his efforts to fight off the plague as a personal, as well as internal, "conflict", he states that perhaps what he has won is "the experience of having known the plague and remembering it, of having known friendship and remembering it, of

Next, in his survey of what could be won from his conflict, Rieux mentions, "having known friendship and remembering it" (291). Evidence of this can be found in Rieux's relationship with Tarrou. Working closely, the two men develop a trusting friendship. Because they understand each other's goals and ambitions during the plague, they become a silent support system for each other. Through Tarrou's diary, we see that he too has been a quiet but observant soldier in the battle. Rieux comments, "no matter how much work he had put in, he was always a ready listener and an agreeable companion" (195). We find there is more to Tarrou and Rieux's relationship in very few instances, but when we see these instances, it is obvious that they are quite important.

knowing affection and being destined one day to remember it." He goes on to summarize that all that could be won from this conflict was "knowledge and memories", and through his experiences we see that these are valuable life-long lessons worth the sacrifice (291).

The first prize Rieux mentions is "having known the plague and remembering it" (291). While it may not be obvious at first that this is in fact a benefit, Father Paneloux's experience with the death of a young boy, as drastic as it was, created a more educated member of the church. While in the beginning Father Paneloux preached that the plague "came from God for the punishment of their sins", he later pleads "my God, spare this child" (99, 217). This turn in attitude shows a gr

Some common words found in the essay are:
Tarrou Rieux's, Father Paneloux, Dr Rieux, Ironically Rambert, Father Paneloux's, , Rambert Rieux, day remember, Camus' Plague, destined day remember, affection destined day, won conflict, friendship remembering, affection destined, destined day, rieux mentions, remembering 291, knowing affection destined, friendship remembering 291, knowing affection, plague remembering, friendship remember,
Approximate Word count = 1019
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)