And so we reach the end of Camus’ plague, and the end of the novel. The narrator is revealed, and expresses his desire to  be an “objective witness,” taking “the side of the victim,” “on the basis of the only certainties [we] all have in common, which are love, suffering and exile.” The last paragraph reminds us of what is true for plagues and also for evil, Camus’ true subject: that “the plague bacillus never dies or vanishes entirely,” but can remain dormant and return “for the instruction or misfortune of mankind.” Still, Rieux’s conclusion — what “one learns in the midst of such tribulations” – is, ultimately, “that there is more in men to admire than to despise.” 

Thank you for joining us for this experience!! Looking forward to our last meeting tomorrow at 12pm, with translator Laura Marris – register at http://www.narrativemedicine.blog/narrative-medicine-book-club. See you then!