Who Is Albert Camus The Guest?

The Guest by Albert Camus highlights several golden principles of life. For every action there is an opposite or equal reaction. Throughout the story, each character has a choice to make that will affect the well-being of others. The freedom of choice is shown through the conflict of the three characters—Daru, Balducci, and the Arab. Daru has a choice to allow the Arab to choose for himself, Balducci has a choice that could result in the loss of employment, and the Arab has a choice that may benefit his entire people. In three different ways, the choices made resulted in an alternate consequence. Camus combines three concepts: moralism, irony, and existentialism. Existentialism is a theory that focuses on the human existence and the primary principles of life. This process is linked to one’s ability to rationalize problems and make choices that benefit others. Camus emphasizes that no
He was obligated to abide by the French Government laws/orders. This was an avenue to pay his debt towards the government. The reader witnesses the lack of social morality transform into social obligation. Camus also writes, “expected at the police headquarters” (1517). This particular line alludes to Daru being ordered by the government and that a crime was committed by the Arab. Seemingly, the Arab destroyed “a family squabble, who was truly an innocent man” (1518). Daru is confronted with the choice of honoring his social obligation. He did not choose this responsibility and rustles with the possible consequences. While struggling with his decision, he asks the prisoner “Why did you kill him” (1517). Daru secretly wants the prisoner to guide his decision—hoping to figure out if the Arab is a decent man. Daru’s battle is greater than the choosing to turn the Arab in because he is battling for his own self-worth and beliefs. Daru believes in morality and the freedom of choice; therefore, his social obligation becomes a conflict of