The Benefits of a Child's Death /// Bug Olsen

  

            One of the most important events and arguably the climax in both a literary and thematic context of The Plague is the death of Jacques Othon. The way Camus structures the description of his death is one of the best uses of imagery throughout the novel, as he purposefully details every excruciating aspect of his death and prolongs the description for multiple pages. This is an extremely significant moment in the novel, as it develops multiple characters in important ways, particularly Father Paneloux. It is through the child’s death that he reconsiders much of his religion and standpoints regarding death, and he ultimately concludes that God uses suffering and evil for good somehow. His view contrasts with that of the other characters throughout the novel, who do not believe in God and therefore have a much more absurdist view of death, believing it is indiscriminatory and has no benefits.

            From a plot standpoint, it serves as the climax in that it is the point of highest tension, as both the characters and the readers are waiting to find out if the child lives and the cure works. Camus expertly uses imagery and pathos to draw the readers in and attaches them to not only the child but to the other characters as well, and it creates more tension on whether or not they will eventually find a working cure. This section also provides some of the deepest philosophical and theological questions regarding death, particularly for children, and suffering, which are later addressed in Paneloux’s sermon. These concepts would not be addressed in both the novel as well as by readers without this expertly crafted scene depicting his death.

            In his second sermon, Paneloux argues that we must accept the divine will of God, even in death, and that although we may not know why bad things happen, we must submit to God. This is a heavy contrast to his original sermon, and the character development depicted in both Paneloux and the other characters between his initial sermon and his second sermon is extremely evident. The sufferings they have undergone have clearly taken their toll, and Part 4 also shows the developments of Rambert, Cottard, Othon, and Tarou especially. I particularly enjoyed the development of Paneloux and the notions portrayed through both the death of Jacques as well as Paneloux’s sermon and death himself, and I admire his commitment to his beliefs by not calling a doctor. The contrast in religious and secular beliefs in response to deaths of children was very interestingly portrayed in Part 4. 

I commented on Emily Thullesen and Madalyn Dillard's posts.