Many pieces of literature explore human nature and reactions to adversity. "The Guest", by Albert Camus depicts three individuals faced with adversity. They must decide between following what is expected of them by law, and following their own convictions. An individual's reactions to conflicting forces will help to develop character and personality traits.
Adverse circumstances faced by the character Daru help to reveal his inner most qualities and features. Albert Camus displays Daru as not only a man of loyalty, but one who maintains his moral convictions. Although unable to complete the duties of his position Daru remains at his post in the school house awaiting a new task. Daru's actions show he is a loyal and obedient servant of his government. As such he is expected to follows the orders given to him by his superiors. "And you will deliver this fellow to Tinguit".(pg 49) Daru is expected to follow orders and conform to the French ideal. Although loyal to France, he has a strong sense of morality. "That man's
Balducci's characteristics are introduced through his reactions to adverse conditions . Camus illustrates Balducci as a loyal yet cowardly man, who's work often interferes with his morals. "Balducci painfully got down from his horse without letting go of the rope". (pg 48) Although Balducci realizes that tying a rope around a man is against his morals he attempts to ignore his conscience. "I don't like it either. You don't get used to putting a rope on a man even after years of it and your even ashamed-yes, ashamed. But you can't let them have their way". (pg 51) Camus portrays a faint-hearted man who is afraid to admit that the ethics he lives by could be unjust. Although the Arab may not be guilty of treason Balducci is willing to execute him on the grounds that he could be a traitor. "Is he against us?" "I don't think so but you can never be sure". (pg 50) The French colonies see the Arabs as their enemy. Through each of Balducci's reactions to conflict his character is further developed. Thus the greater the amoun
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