What's In a Name // Abigale Bell
The character that stood out to me the most in this story is Joseph Grand. At first, I was struck by the irony of his name. Grand is described as an overall borning person. The only thing greand about him is his name. However, as the sotry progresses, one sees him in a different light. His character never seems to really change, but the circumstances surrounding him change. Really, Grand is the common factor that allows the reader to see the growth of Dr. Rieux's character.
In the beginning, the narrator (Dr. Rieux) used language that highlighted the insignificance of Grand's character. Rieux says Grand "...had nothing of the hero about him..." (Camus, 133). But waht really makes a hero? This question is posed as the plague continues to oppress the town of Oran. People's humanity is tried by fear and their base desires rise to the surface. The plague is a test that determines what makes a man a good man who lives a life that is worthwhile. There are some who turn to religion for fulfillment and hope in the midst of fear. There are others, like Grand and Rieux, who find their identity in work. In this story, rather than one who accomplishes great feats of dramatic valor, the hero seems to be the one who simply is. A hero living under a plague is one can live with a simple acceptance of the fact that he might die, but continues on. It is a quiet steadfastness that is heroism. "Grand was the true embodiment of the quiet courage that inspired the sanitary groups. He had said yes without a momnet's hesitation and with the large-heartedness that was second nature to him" (134).
Contrary to Rieux's first idea of Grand as one who "...had all the attributes of insignificance," he lived up to his name and had one of the most important jobs during the plague (44). It was Grand's responsibility to log the number of plague cases in the town. His job was to keep the statistics accurate. Without accurate numbers there would be no way to know the extent of the plague. Grand knew better than anyone the danger of the situation. He was faced with the reality of death every day. Yet, "[w]hen Rieux thanked him with some warmth, he seemed surprised. 'Why that's not difficult! Plague is here and we've got to make a stand, that's obvious'" (134). Dr. Rieux comes to reevaluate his own definition of 'hero' and thereby comes to see Grand as more than insignificant but worthy of admiration.
Commented on Braylan's and Bug's posts.
I like your post, Abigail! The way Grand stays steadfast reminds me of the poem "If" by Rudyard Kipling. "If you can keep your head when all about you / Are losing theirs and blaming it on you, / If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew / To serve your turn long after they are gone, ... you'll be a Man, my son!" In this respect, I can see how Grand could stand as an example of manliness in this book. Great post!
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